Updated: September 8, 2005
On the evening of August 3, 2004, a little before 11:00 at night, the steeple of the church was struck by lightning during a severe thunderstorm. The rain had actually subsided, however, the storm was still producing a large amount of lightning.
At approximately 10:50 pm, we were awakened in the parsonage (right next door) by a bright flash of light, which was accompanied by the phone momentarily ringing and a loud "pop" then an extremely loud thunder clap. We knew that lightning had struck close by. Approximately 15 minutes went by with no sign of fire visible from the house, so we went back to bed. Five minutes later, a police car was in the driveway and flames were shooting up off the steeple. Apparently, the fire started in the attic, and spread to the roof and the remainder of the steeple.
The Mendota/Troy Grove Fire Department responded along with other surrounding towns. The fire was extinguished in approximately 20 minutes, however just over $118,000.00 in damage had been done (cleanup and repair costs). The attic area burned, resulting in the need to replace 14 roof trusses and the entire roof over the foyer/educational area. Due to the extreme heat that was present in the attic, the ceiling had to come down in approximately 2/3rds of this wing as well. The blown in celluslose type of insulation was holding so much heat that even an hour after the fire was out, the building was still smoking like it was still on fire. The Fire Department left the grounds around 3:00 am.
Since then, the damaged roof trusses have been replaced, the entire roof deck on that wing has been replaced, a new steeple was put up and the entire building has been reshingled. Inside, after the new ceiling was put in, we updated the lighting in the foyer and new carpet was required as well. Only a few minor items are left to finish, such as some items for the walls.
We give all the praise and glory to God for all these events over the eight months of this ordeal. If the fire had burned only a few minutes longer, before it was noticed, it would have caused damage to the sanctuary and it probably would have destroyed much more, if not most, of the building. God was faithful, and is faithful and was watching over the building that night so that more damage did not occur. We were actually able to hold Sunday Services in the sanctuary that very next Sunday morning and evening!
