TONTITOWN, Ark. — The property surrounding the historic bell tower on the grounds of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tontitown is about to get a brand new look.
The bell tower has stood on the church's property for 125 years since the first 35 families settled in Tontitown.
Now, church member Mary Wyandt-Hiebert says plans are in the works to tie the historic structure in with the current church.
"Along the pathway tying the old to the new, there will be the Stations of the Cross, which is very much a spiritual connection for Catholics in particular, a way of meditating upon the Stations of the Cross," Wyandt-Hiebert said. "We will also incorporate a rosary garden — another form of prayer, meditation and bringing us deeper to our faith, as well, within the area. We're having a custom-made crucifix in the plans that is not only representative of so much of what really our history is built on but [it will] also be a piece of art as well."
Church Pastor Father Samy says the project also means tying in the rich history of the church to the present.
"When we are talking about this project, we are talking about, you know, bringing that legacy to the future generations," Father Samy said.
Right now, efforts to raise money for the project have allowed it to start, but they aren't able to accomplish everything they would like.
"We are at a point where we can do the minimum," Wyandt-Hiebert said. "I'm confident that we have the funds to be able to do the minimum but if we really want to see this project to the fullest, and be able to incorporate all of the elements to their greatest level, it's going to take a little more."
Wyandt-Hiebert says they are going to look at where fundraising stands next month before deciding when to start work. They are hoping to begin this summer.
"Everybody is really excited about this project," Father Samy said. "They've been waiting for a long time ever since the idea was brought forward ... It's going to have a new look. And it's going to be amazing."
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