Three years ago, when administrators at Asbury First United Methodist Church on East Avenue hired a steeplejack to inspect the building's tower, the 55-year-old structure looked like it may need some minor restoration work. But a closer look at the steel frame under the limestone exterior revealed a more serious problem.

"Years of rain, sun, and freezing ice caused the masonry between the stone work to crack and come apart," says Bruce Schwendy. "When that happens, the limestone rock can just pop out."

Schwendy, who managed a $360,000 restoration project on the tower, says it was common to use stone and steel combinations at the time, but the builder may have set the mortar too close to the steeple's steel frame. Since rust will expand, even some of the stonework was beginning to crack.

The steeple is 165 feet high from the ground to the top of the 9-foot stainless steel cross. Restoration work began in September on the lantern, an area of openings at the upper-most portion of the steeple just under the spire. Repairing the steel frame required disassembling the stones - nearly 100 of them, each one weighing as much as 100 pounds.

Six men worked on the steeple under the direction of Bero Engineering and Catenary Construction. Both local firms are known for their preservation work.

"Being up there was eerie and beautiful at the same time," says Schwendy. "You can see Lake Ontario and there is a view of the Cobb's Hill Reservoir as if you're standing right near it. The clouds feel like they are moving so close to you."

After the steel frame was cleaned and painted, the stones were scrubbed clean with water. The stones were then reassembled and set with a color-matched mortar.

Schwendy, a retired engineer, is one of a group of about 12 men who volunteer as maintenance workers for the church, doing painting, plumbing, and minor repairs. But this is Schwendy's third major project. He previously oversaw the replacement of the church's stone roof and the addition of a welcoming center.

The New York State Landmark Conservancy granted Asbury $10,000 toward the project, which is nearly complete.