SYRACUSE – This week, a Syracuse congregation marked the United Methodist Church’s recovery from a fire on Jan. 4, 2014, that destroyed their 102-year-old sanctuary.

Member Brianne Wilhelm said the recovery process involved mourning, rebuilding and hard work, but the church was able to pay off its reconstruction loan in six years.

Wilhem: “We are extremely grateful to have a building that serves all of our basic needs -- where we can unite and worship – in a space that can be shared by our community.”

Thirty members gathered for a ceremony to burn the loan document on Father’s Day.

Two years after the fire, the congregation accepted the design for the new building. It includes stained glass windows from the previous church and a picture that had hung in the basement.

The $1.2 million rebuild was completed four years and 22 days after the fire.

Terry Zimmers, Rev. Nancy Tomlinson with salvaged cornerstone

 

 

Photos courtesy of Brianne Wilhelm

Celebrating in shades of purple are Carolyn Gigstad, Jerry LaFollette, Shari LaFollette, Orv Gigstad, Judy Antes and Mike Antes.

 

 Photo by Dan Swanson