Losing a building to a fire is devastating to everyone involved. But when a church burns down, the pain affects people far and wide.
The First Presbyterian Church of Girard was a beautiful house of worship in the west county, built in 1892. The building was a gathering place and beacon to many both in and outside of the congregation. It’s total loss to fire on Sunday morning, July 22nd was a huge shock not only for the community of Girard, but for folks across our region. Many have attended services there, weddings, funerals, special services, or sent their kids to preschool in that building. There’s a strong connection to friends that worship there.
We are all grateful that no one was injured by the blaze, including the brave firefighters who according to reports, got out in the nick of time.
What is most striking is to hear the sentiments of the leaders and members of the congregation. They understand that, yes, the church building is important and it’s loss is a sad event, but the real “church” is the people acting as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to a world, indeed a region and community that needs hope.
That First Presbyterian Church of Girard, it’s people, stand strong as ever to do the Lord’s work for years to come.
