WESTMORELAND COUNTY, Pa. — The smell of smoke lingers in the air nearly a week after the Trinity United Methodist Church in Stahlstown went up in flames. The damage and destruction is everywhere you look, and the inside of the church is a total loss. Fortunately, some quick thinking by firefighters likely helped save the building’s structure.
PHOTOS >>> Interior of Trinity United Methodist Church a total loss after fire
“Since they were trying to save the structural integrity, they didn’t cut the roof,” Pastor Doren tells Channel 11 News. “We appreciate the thoughtfulness of the firefighters for that. I feel like God is good and just like Christmas is remembering Jesus came, he is with us, God is with us.”
Books were blackened, the floor is sopping wet and covered with chunks of the ceiling, and just about every sentimental item inside is gone.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Fire destroys inside of Westmoreland County church
“There is a plaque covered in soot that says, ‘Prayer Changes Things,’” Doren added. “That will be able to be cleaned and it will find its place when we come back. Pretty much all of the church things — the altar table, the Advent wreath, the organ, the piano, all the things that make the church, the church.”
Doren says this tough time has brought out the best in humanity.
“Even if they don’t attend here, this church means something to them,” Doren says. “It’s been incredible. I’ve had multiple churches reach out — asking, ‘what can we do?’ and multiple people reaching out saying, ‘what can we do?’”
Church services for this Sunday, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day will move to Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church. Doran says she’s saddened for the families and children who worship here and have lost a piece of themselves, but she’s thankful that no one was hurt. She knows things can be rebuilt, but people can’t.
“He’s got this in his hands, and we just need to trust him and walk this path with him,” Doren added.
The rebuilding process will take about a year, if not longer, and insurance might not be able to cover everything. If anyone in the community would like to help the church as they rebuild, click here.
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