Tower

The tower makes up the bottom part of the steeple and serves as the base for the more ornate, delicate-looking components above. The typical tower is square and features a clock on at least one of its faces. It is the stolid, workmanlike part of the steeple, although it often sports an elaborate cornice and decorative elements like quoins. In some cases, the tower was the only part of the steeple built—King's Chapel in Boston is one prominent example. The congregation ran out of money and was unable to add the belfry, lantern and spire to the tower.