Johns Creek United Methodist Church on Tuesday raised its steeple for its new 50,000-square-foot sanctuary.

“While the people of Johns Creek United Methodist Church certainly are excited about the beauty of this particular steeple, we are far more excited about what it symbolizes,” said the Rev. Dr. D.B. Shelnutt Jr., the church’s senior pastor, earlier in a press release. "Historically, steeples have served as unmistakable calling cards to places of peace and refuge from life’s storms; we are humbled to be one of those places and, at the same time, we are thrilled to help preserve a meaningful tradition in a world where church steeples are becoming increasingly rare.” 

The steeple and base tower extend some 160 feet from the ground, which makes the structure one of the highest elevations in North Fulton.

The 40-foot steeple spire was custom built by Munn’s Manufacturing in Utah and was shipped in more than a dozen segments by five trucks. The steeple raising is the culmination of a 16-month project. The church’s $12 million expansion has a worship capacity of 1,640 and should be completed in early 2013. 

For more information about the church, visit www.JohnsCreekUMC.org.