If you're the praying type...

[Churchlady]

If you pray, could I ask your prayers please? St. Peter's Church in Libertytown, Maryland is on fire - 3 alarm. It's a very small, very historic church in rural maryland. It's also the parish where I attend - my home parish if you will, not my work parish.

[Churchlady]

It's gone... nothing left but the shell.

[mr.c]

Sorry to hear that. How did it start???

[Churchlady]

Thank you for your sympathy...

Welders, repairing the roof. it broke out while they were on break. The Church and rectory are both total losses, estimated damage, at least 1 million. The heartbreak is that there were a lot of irreplaceable historic artifacts in that church. Including the stained glass windows, a 15 foot painting by a local painter in the late 1800's original hand hewn stair railings, 200 year old pews (which I'm glad will be replaced with something more comfortable)

It's just heartbreaking. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but our church is crestfallen.

[Lamar]

I am sorry to hear of your loss. It is painful but nonetheless, the heart of Christianity is the Resurrection. This may well be an opportunity to live your faith in some creative ways.

[Churchlady]

We're a strong community and know it's just a building, but what a loss... for anyone who wants to here's a link to the news stories....

click inside the box to see the slide "show"

http://www.thewbalchannel.com/news/3...79&dppid=68758

http://wjz.com/localstories/local_story_155143454.html

[kamikaiguy]

Church

I am sorry to hear of your loss. Remember God tests us everyday, and God never gives any more than we can hadle in life. My heart and prayers go out to you and your congregations. If you guys are taking a collection for the rebuild I would love to help.

[ibosmiley]

Very sorry to hear....that is a tragedy.

[AAlmeter]

CL,

much sympathy from the SJCI guy. Its a shame when just a little carelessness leads to such a disaster.

[linusvanpelt]

CL -

a terrible thing to happen! Condolences and good luck on the rebuild...

Is your work church close enough that the members can go there while the other church is rebuilt?

[Churchlady]

Thank you guys sooo much - you've become another family to me, and to hear your concern and sympathy is "a balm to my soul".

Almeter, thanks, that means a lot!

Ibo, it is a tragedy, but we're grateful no one got hurt - Fr. John and another gentleman ran into the burning church to save the tabernacle and some vestments that were centuries old - we're grateful nothing happened to them!

Linus, we're blessed to have a parish hall and another meeting space where we can meet across the street from the shell of our church. The church I work for has offered it's staff, calendar and worship space to St. Pete's anytime they need it. There were supposed to be a funeral and 2 weddings this weekend, and all of the local parishes have offered same, so parish life will go on - with some minor location changes.

Kamikaguy, When things get organized, I'll post the information as to where donations can be made - insurance will pay (we hope) for a good chunk of it, but the restoration of the painting (15 foot) that survived will be insanely expensive. Not to mention that we're not sure just how much or when we'll actually see any insurance money (or lawsuit money, should the diocese decide -- unlikely-- to go after the contractor.)

Thanks again guys.

[kamikaiguy]

CL

I am sure god will be with you in your time of hardship. You know I had a thought when I was praying the other night and thinking of your parish. We become complacent in our life and used to the things that were always there. God sometimes has to give us a little nudge to remind us that the material things are replaceable and the the real focus is Him. God is in our hearts and minds he does not need a building to be celebrated. Wherever we gather in his name is a church. I just thought of this when I was praying the other night and I don't know maybe it this post was more for me than you but I wanted to share. Again my condolences go out to you.

[BayouDawg]

Originally Posted by Churchlady

Thank you for your sympathy...

Welders, repairing the roof. it broke out while they were on break. The Church and rectory are both total losses, estimated damage, at least 1 million. The heartbreak is that there were a lot of irreplaceable historic artifacts in that church. Including the stained glass windows, a 15 foot painting by a local painter in the late 1800's original hand hewn stair railings, 200 year old pews (which I'm glad will be replaced with something more comfortable)

It's just heartbreaking. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but our church is crestfallen.

Wow CL, that stinks. I manage major historic restrotaions for a living. You are well over million there, that's a total loss, 3-5 million, maybe, in construction alone? More? Hot work on metal roofs is disaster waitng to happen, I've seen it happen before, one hot drip in the attic or wall cavitites and poof.. we use very, very, very stringent poicies with roofing hot work.

Again sorry, I hate to see history broken like that.

-Scott

[ricmac25]

Wow. I'm sorry to hear what happened. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your community.

[relaxnsmoke]

I just went through those photos of the fire, looks like a Class D (metal fire) which is very dangerous, those are some brave firefighters on that roof. My prayers go out for your rebuilding efforts and the firefighters who continue on to the next fire.

We weld a bit where I work....and have had a few fires, usually because of no firewatch, or workers left a hotspot for break. Nothing as serious as your loss though.

From what I gather, nobody was injured and that is the Gods' protection at it's finest. A good start! rns