The congregation of the Zwingli United Church of Christ held Sunday services outside today. Held under tents and sitting on lawn chairs, church members worshiped in the shadow of their beloved church and education center damaged by an early Friday morning fire.
There are about 450 congregants, but today they were joined by members of other local churches in a show of support.
Just past midnight Friday morning 16 fire companies battled the blaze. The flamed gutted the education center and offices. Firefighters saved the sanctuary but it did sustain water and smoke damage.
The feeling today was one of thanksgiving that no one was badly injured. Since 1887 Zwingli United Church of Christ has ministered to the spiritual needs of its members.
The exact cause of the fire is still a question mark. There is however no question but that the damaged structures will be rebuilt. Many believe this will turn out to be a blessed opportunity.
The pastor says it could take months, maybe a year before the church buildings will reopen. Meanwhile the Boys and Girls Club of Souderton has kindly offered its facilities for services and activities.
