First Lutheran Church, community working to raise $2.5 million to save historic bell tower Share Updated: 6:10 AM EDT Apr 14, 2021 Share Updated: 6:10 AM EDT Apr 14, 2021 In a final effort, The First Lutheran Church and community members are working together to save an Over-the-Rhine community staple, the historic bell tower. It was built in 1895 and has been a Cincinnati pillar for 126 years. The tower is now facing the threat of demolition if funds aren t raised for restoration. Despite efforts of the church and supporters, they are close to reluctantly making the decision to tear down the historic bell tower.“The church will still be able to do its functions without the tower, but Washington Park will be diminished, Over-the-Rhine will be diminished, and I’d say even Cincinnati is diminished,” said Paul Muller of the Cincinnati Preservation Association. The Cincinnati Preservation Association is working with local organizations to raise the over