Supporters of the Frontenac Historical Society building in Union Springs are exhaling after a nervous week.

A large tree branch that had hit the historic building's bell tower during the early Monday morning wind storm was removed Thursday, and it turns out the damage to the building was minimal.

A 100-year-old willow tree, about 30 feet tall and situated on the property, swayed, and one of three huge branches meeting at its crotch broke off, hitting the 168-year-old former Presbyterian church's wooden bell tower. A neighbor reported the damage.

Linda Zach, president of the historical society, said most of the damage was done to the eaves of the tower, which sits in the middle of the roof. The bell is still intact and working.

Eight workers from Cranebrook Tree Service began the careful task of taking the damaged tree down at 9 a.m. Thursday. A crane, two bucket trucks, two chippers and a truck hummed along all day.

“There was minimal damage to the building,” Zach said. “None of the branches touched the stained glass windows, which went unscathed. Thank God they weren't touched.”

The windows date back as far as 1895, based on dedications to various early parishioners, she said.

Erie Group Insurance Co. adjusters have already estimated damages, which Zach couldn't provide figures for.

“I'm thankful that there wasn't any more damage. It could have been so much worse,” she said. “The electric wires saved the building.”

Zach didn't believe the minor damage would affect any of the current renovations. The society has been gradually renovating the building, with roofing repairs recently made.

Grants are coming through from the state to help with the renovations through the Main Street grant program. Back in 2005, the building benefited from a $175,000 Main Street grant, which it shared with four other buildings. The bell tower was repaired under that grant.

Staff writer Kathleen Barran can be reached at 253-5311 ext 238 or kathleen.barran@lee.net