CANTON – After over 125 years, the natural slates original to the 1896 construction of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Canton have been replaced with composite slates.

Thanks to a generous grant of $2,000 from the Canton Community Fund and contributions from church members, Bertrand’s Construction from Ogdensburg began work on July 17 and completed the project within a week.

The original slates were likely installed by steeple jacks. Thanks to an 86-foot lift, the job was a lot easier and safer today. Church officials thank everyone who made this project possible, ensuring that the church bells will continue to ring for decades to come.