Return to the M.B.Herald Vol. 37, No. 9 Home Page
During the Good Friday service, members were told that the fire, that caused $2.5 million damage, had been intentionally set and that a criminal investigation was underway. "We might feel discouraged and we might grieve a loss--rightly so and this is understandable," pastor Johannes Stolz told the congregation. Henry Tessman, church moderator, recognized in his remarks the legacy of the older members of the congregation in terms of the facility, but more importantly their legacy of faith, which built the ministry of the church. At the same time, the next generation was challenged to "step up and claim the future blessings of North Kildonan MB." The congregation was asked to develop vision in present circumstances, to regroup and reconstruct the building.
The fire started around 10:30 pm and travelled to the attic, causing extensive fire and water damage to the roof, offices, sanctuary and basement. The archival records of wedding ceremonies and membership lists were recovered and are in safekeeping with Abe Dueck, Canadian Conference archivist. (See sidebar.) Church records from the church office computer were salvaged and seem to be in good order. Most of the choir music and some library books have been frozen to assess restoration options. The piano, organ and library books are being warehoused, as are the benches that were removed from the sanctuary Easter Monday. The insurance policy had just been updated April 1, with the first premium bill coming the day after the fire.
Although their sanctuary lies in tatters, church leaders and members are talking about forgiveness and rebuilding. Asked about his reaction to the intentional nature of the fire, Stolz said, "We have encountered hostility before as a church, and I think, we are going to learn from Christ, who even on the cross still said `Father, forgive them, they don't know what they are doing.` " Robert Marsch, associate pastor, drew some direct parallels between Good Friday and Easter and the situation the church finds itself in. "On Friday, the disciples of Jesus Christ might have thought `this is a disaster, His ministry has meant nothing`. And yet on Sunday that all changed. Even as the church looked like a total write-off on Friday, on Sunday there was hope again. We are claiming those same promises for our congregation."
Not without notice by the congregation as well as the local media was the fact that the large wooden cross with a blue silk sash draped over it stood untouched by the flames and smoke. And so is the faith of the 500 plus members of North Kildonan MB Church. "Just like Easter is celebrating the resurrection", said Dave Dueck, church council member, "this church will rise again. It will be a different church, but it will be better equipped to serve the community that we are in."
It could be up to a year to rebuild, but the people of North Kildonan MB have found strength in the fact that the church is not the building, but the power of God's love within them.
--Marianne Dulder
Return to the M.B.Herald Vol. 37, No. 9 Home Page