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Indiana Bicentennial Celebration 2016

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Legacy Projects > Steeple Restoration for Underground Railroad Town Clock Church Steeple Restoration for Underground Railroad Town Clock Church

The Town Clock Church (Second Baptist Church) was known for helping slaves fleeing for their freedom prior to and during the tumultuous Civil War period. The church, built between the years 1849-52, and its congregation were actively engaged in the hiding, feeding, medical care and transportation of slaves from area of danger to freedom. Church records and court documents have also revealed that the pastors of Second Presbyterian baptized, married and buried African Americans. The church steeple, visible across the river in Kentucky by slaves being shipped down south, was widely recognized by the community as a beacon of hope for freedom seekers escaping the bonds of slavery. In 1915, when lightning struck the steeple and destroyed it, the spire was not replaced. The replica of the original spire is being fabricated and is scheduled to be put in place on May 26, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. EST.

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