St. Patrick’s Catholic Parish in Janesville is removing the steeple off it’s church on Cherry Street next week.

Father Drew Olson says it’s fallen into disrepair and is compromising the safety of the structure.

Olson says St. Patrick’s is the oldest Catholic church in Rock County and the oldest church in Janesville.

Olson says once the steeple is removed next week it will be placed in the courtyard next to the church until restoration fundraising goals are met.

The church was dedicated in 1864 with nearly 40 percent of it’s current members being Hispanic.