NINE years after the first sod was dug, St Luke's Church in Buckfastleigh is finally finished.
On Tuesday a giant crane lifted a ten-metre high fleche onto the highest point of the roof, providing the finishing touch.
The operation had been scheduled to take place last week but had to be cancelled due to high winds.
The stainless steel fleche, which is French for arrow, points skyward and three of the four sides incorporate a cross.
Vicar of St Luke's, the Rev John Rowlands, said: 'I think the fleche completes it. It needed something on top. It was in the original plans, so for me it is the end of an era.
'I am thrilled that we were able to finish it. There were battles. Our original builders went into liquidation and it took time to get planning permission and there was some opposition to that.
'We have created a great resource for the town – last week the church was used by 600 people.'
The cost of the fleche was factored into the original design and has been met from insurance from the loss of Holy Trinity, which was destroyed by fire and private donations.
Churchwarden Jan Young, who watched the operation from beginning to end, said: 'I think it is quite lovely. I hope other people will think so as well.
'It signifies it now as a church. Some people have mistaken it for a library or swimming pool. It very definitely makes it out as a church. We see it as a glorification to God, marking out our presence in the town.'