Here's what happened:
On November 8, 2006 fire broke out in the area of the building being renovated. We praise God that no one was hurt during the fire. We extend our deep thanks to the firefighters who responded so quickly to extinguish the flames, as well as police and other first responders.
The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental. Damage was sustained primarily in the Sanctuary area that was under construction, with some smoke and/or water damage to the multi-purpose room, hallway, lobby, and education wing, including the lower level music and youth rooms.
The administrative wing of the sustained only minor smoke damage, and the offices and class/meeting rooms in that wing were back in use almost immediately.
Calvary Kids Child Care Center - there was some smoke and water damage to some areas of the church that are utilized by the child care center. Some of the classes moved temporarily to the lower level of the administration wing. Thank you to all of the staff and volunteers who worked hard to get the clean up and moving done! The child care center reopened on November 20.
It took about four months to clean up and restore the building to where it was before the fire. Then construction resumed and the congregation enjoyed its first Sunday in the new Sanctuary on Easter - April 8, 2007.
The members and staff of Calvary Church thank everyone in the community and for the many offers of support and prayers during this difficult time. The congregation has drawn strength from Paul's words to another congregation facing its own challenges:
Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. If you belong to Christ, this is the way God wants you to live.
--I Thessalonians 5:16-18 |
