Fire Clean Up and Renovation Report
Monday night, July 8th waves of intense lightning storms rolled through the Port Washington area. The church suffered either a direct lightning strike or a strike so close and powerful it caused a power surge resulting in an electrical fire. Though the primary area of flames was the northeast corner of the sanctuary, damage was extensive throughout the sanctuary. Smoke and soot damage was evident throughout the entire church facility.
We're thankful that no one was injured. We're thankful for the quick response, bravery and skill of our volunteer fire departments that saved the structure from even greater damage. We're thankful for the Church Council, Elders and others who stepped up to give immediate leadership for the church's response. We're thankful we were led to the right contractor and that our insurance carrier has been forthright and helpful.
Because of the extent of the damage and necessary renovation, a Building Committee was formed to discuss and plan for the rebuilding. Every option for rebuilding was discussed including putting it back just the way it was. It was decided, after a great deal of discussion and prayer, that we should pursue a renovation plan that retained the traditional feel of the sanctuary while providing an more welcoming and flexible environment for worship and other activities appropriate to the sanctuary. The assistance of an architect was sought and the building committee spent hundreds of hours studying the options before recommending the plan to turn the sanctuary around 180 degrees (to face the east); that plan was overwhelmingly accepted by the congregation at a meeting in early October.
The parts of the building, other than the sanctuary, all required cleaning and painting, refinishing and, in some cases, new flooring. Mold remediation in the basement became necessary because of some water damage seeping through the floor from the sanctuary. Contents needed to be either cleaned or accounted for and disposed of.
The entire project should be done by about April 4th. It is anticipated that our first services in the renovated sanctuary will be Palm Sunday (April 13th). What a celebration that will be!
Thanks to all for their prayers, encouragement, gifts, time, input, and patience during this challenging time for all of us. A tragedy has become an opportunity to prove our faith genuine and our God faithful!
The total losses approach 1 million dollars. The stained glass windows will be fully restored. The old altar will be restored and used in the sanctuary. New seating is ordered. The organ and piano will be replaced with new instruments. Lighting, sound and video will be better than ever.
The Building Committee and Council are also working very hard to get as much out of the insurance settlement as possible. As long as the insurance money is spent on the renovation of the building the church can use it as needed and directed. The stewardship of the insurance settlement is of primary importance to the Building Committee and Church Council.
Special gifts and donations have come in from individuals and even other churches. These gifts will be used to enhance the renovation.
The Building Committee consists of: Gary Schlenvogt, Rose Morgan, Mike Bendt, Kevin Grady, Jerry Parker, Roy DeSimone, Jeff Starr, Kent Kohn, Ray Schwinn, and Litha Mueller.
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454 N. Milwaukee Street, Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 284-2471