Just days after fire gutted through
a Brooklyn church, parishioners gathered for Sunday mass. NY1’s Amanda
Farinacci was there and filed the following report.Calling it God’s mission, some two dozen parishioners showed up for
mass at the Iglesia Presbyterian Memorial Church, only two days after a
fire burned through its doors.“It was definitely a great devastation, but we’re hopeful that
everything is going to be restored and we’re still going to be coming
here and serving God the way we’re supposed to, so we’re happy about
that,” said parishioner Judy Reyes.A three-alarm fire tore through the 125-year-old Park Slope Church
Friday, gutting its rectory and a community space used for day care and
local events. No one was inside during the early morning fire, but the
flames left the beloved church, home to hundreds of Hispanics in the
community, in ruins. Fire officials have ruled the fire an accident,
possibly a problem with the heating system.Church organizers now say they believe in miracles, because two
irreplaceable Tiffany stained glass windows were undamaged in the fire
and a glass case holding the gifts of the communion went untouched.“When we walked in the building, even the glass was out of smoke,
nothing has happened in that area, and God has preserved that because
it’s holy and to anoint the people,” said Pedro Montalvo of Iglesia
Presbyterian Church.The church is classified as a landmark by the city Department of
Buildings. Organizers say the fire has taught them to appreciate the
historic building, and inspired them to expand its mission of serving
God and the community:“We have so many plans for the future and god is going to use this
to help us obtain those goals and objectives that we have,” said Anna
Davila, who has been a parishioner of the church for 10 years.Insurance appraisers are expected at the church this week to assess
the damage. Meanwhile, the church will keep to its normal mass
schedule, believing nothing can keep its parishioners from attending
services.
– Amanda Farinacci