LEBANON, Ohio Four generations of Renee Forresters family have worshiped at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Watching the 156-year-old structure disappear in flames Dec. 13, 2017, made her stomach turn.
It was very emotional, she said Monday night. Just thinking about it, I get emotional."
She and other worshipers have spent their Sundays since at a storefront church seating about 30 people. The Rev. Karen Schaeffer predicts theyll soon be able to return home.
It will be a new home, she added the original building wasnt salvageable, and theyll be using insurance money to begin construction. But it will be a permanent one.
And it will be built on a plot of land once owned by Forresters grandfather.
The city bought the property, and the familys been wanting to get it back so we can build a house, she said.
Instead, it will be the site of the new church. Forrester said she thinks thats even better.
Just to know that were on my grandpas property is everything, she said.
Schaeffer said her presiding elder told her to think big when the congregation began discussing the construction of a new church. The plan as of Monday night was to start with a new sanctuary and expand over time, creating spaces for classes and sports as well as worship.
Its going to be wonderful to worship in a new space, and also because were thinking of it as being a place thats open to the community, she said. Were really excited about just opening our doors and welcoming people in every single day of the week.
The two years since the fire have been painful, she added, but theyve also been an opportunity for Bethel AMEs community to grow, with members forming closer bonds with each other and community groups forming new friendships with the church.
While we loved the building and we mourn its loss, what has happened in the interim is that weve been surrounded by love, she said. Its just been a miraculous journey.
Continued here:
Over two years after fire, Bethel AME is ready to begin building a new home - WCPO Cincinnati
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