Keeping the faith
Congregation discovers temporary home in school after fire burns church
PILLAGER -- When fire gutted their church Dec. 8, members of the First Baptist Church in Pillager had to scramble to hold services and make decisions about the building.
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Although the church has been active in Pillager for about 100 years, the building that burned was built in 1958.
Kevin Borst stacked chairs while Steve Bell searched for more chairs in the Pillager School cafeteria after church services Sunday.
The fire prompted the need to make many decisions. Using information gathered through fire inspections, church officials must decided whether the church structure is stable enough to remodel to its former glory. The church council has been pondering what to do. For now, services are being conducted in the Pillager School.
This past Sunday, the Sunday school and the youth group presented a Christmas program to the congregation. The congregation sang Christmas carols and listened to a message delivered by the Rev. Robert Osell.
Sue Newkirk held her son, Sam, while singing Christmas carols during the Sunday service.
The church bulletin contained this message: "Thanks to all who have offered facilities to the homeless, especially to the Pillager School for allowing us to meet here today."
The congregation will continue to meet at the Pillager School at 10:30 a.m. Sundays for at least two weeks. -- Steve Kohls
The Rev. Robert Osell delivered the message to the congregation of the First Baptist Church of Pillager on Sunday.