A group of more than 60 community members gathered in the parking lot of Grace United Church Thursday evening to say their final farewell to the building that was ravaged by a fire on July 24.
A church with a congregation of roughly 50, the turnout for Thursday's vigil was a bright light on an otherwise dark day for the Rev. Erin Todd, who has been the church's minister for 10 years.
Todd received a call Wednesday evening that the church had been struck by lightning and a fire had started in the spire.
"I heard that it had been put out...but later in the evening at around 10:30 I got a text message that the church was on fire," said Todd. "I didn't come in last night, but I was up most of the night thinking about it."
The damage to the church was so substantial that it will be a complete tear down, though Todd hopes that some pieces can be salvaged and move to their new home, wherever that may be. This weekend's service will be held outdoors, in the open green space across the road from the church.
"The outpouring of support from the community has been amazing," said Todd. "Our councillor, Bill Leduc is already looking at possible spaces for us, other churches have stepped up and offered to help, it's just been really wonderful to see the support that this community is giving us."
Attending Thursday's vigil were members of the United Church regional office, members of United Church in North Bay, congregation members and community members who simply live in the area.
While the fire may have destroyed the building, the spirit of the church's members wasn't, as the dozens gathered on Thursday joined together in song and prayer as Rev. Todd led the ceremony.
"It's a good time to say goodbye to what has been a wonderful church home for us," said Todd. "But it's not our community, our community is our people and we will continue, there's no question about that. My singular focus for my ministry now is for us to continue."
The next step is for the church to find a temporary home and there has been no shortage of offers, with other United Churches reaching out, along with the Jewish Synagogue.
"We certainly won't be homeless, thanks to the community," said Todd. "We're waiting for the fire marshall to clear the building and make sure it's safe, but we would love to save some things and have our new building have some of those things in it."
