Wanted to rent: Church steeples

Lutheran, The, Jul 2003

Cell phone companies are seeking space in church steeples and paying rents of $1,000 to $3,000 a month, The New York Times recently reported. About 1 percent of all U.S. cell phone towers are housed in steeples.

The payment depends on the pastor's negotiating skills and the location's desirability, said Patrick Deloney, a vice president with Engineered Endeavors, a tower construction company that has completed more than 100 steeple projects. ELCA congregations have been able to reach a deal for rent as much as 50 percent over the initial offer, according to the ELCA General Counsel's office.

The ELCA Office of the Secretary can assist congregations with resources and legal referrals. Call (800) 638-3522 or log on to www.elca.org/os/legal/ index.html. Attorneys representing congregations can also receive information.