A CITY landmark, the cross on top of the St John’s Lutheran Church steeple will be removed next Tuesday (July 15).

But it will return says Vice Chair of the Church Council, Will Milligan.

“In recent years, the glass in the cross has developed cracks allowing water to seep into the tower causing damage,” he explained.

To repair the cross and restore the damage to the tower is a costly exercise.

“St John’s members are thankful that a grant through the Lutheran Church of Australia from the Alf & Charlotte Stiller Fund, gifted for restoration of old churches, will enable them to complete the work,” Will said.

The first stage of the restoration work, including the removal of the cross, is expected to result in the closure of both sides of Nicholas Street for most of the day, from Roderick Street up Nicholas Street.

Traffic controllers will be in place.

“However, access will be maintained via the hospital end of Nicholas Street,” he said.

“Proctor Constructions, King Architectural Engineering, Speedy Glass and Ipswich Crane Hire will be involved in the works.

“An oversized crane will be needed to remove the cross and it will be loaded onto suitable transport.”

The foundation stone for the church was laid in 1960 in anticipation of replacing the original St John’s Lutheran Church, which was built in 1864.

The new church was completed and consecrated in 1961.

It was constructed under the supervision of Ipswich builder, TP Turner, who was also responsible for the city’s former Ipswich and West Moreton Building Society building and the Central Congregational Church.

“The distinguished tall spire attached to St John’s Lutheran Church was built by Arthur Kathage in his coal company’s Westfalen Colliery workshop and the Maros Construction Company erected it using a 20 ton crane fitted with a 110 foot (33.5m) boom,” Will added.

“Members of the congregation helped sheet the spire in copper.

“The symbol of the cross which figures very prominently above the spire has, by its location and construction, occupied a very prominent position in central Ipswich throughout these years.”