The Ecclesiastical Insurance Company has agreed to pay the diocese of Niagara $800,000 for damages sustained by the bell tower of Hamilton 's All Saints' Church in 1998.

"There's always a risk associated with going to court, so I'm glad to have it settled," said Archdeacon Marion Vincett, executive officer of the diocese. The settlement was half of a $1.6-million lawsuit filed by the diocese against the insurance company.

The 127-year-old, 23-metre high bell tower was damaged during a Sept. 25, 1998 earthquake.