Loading...St. Paul's, Manheim, celebrated the rededication of its sanctuary on Saturday, Sept. 15.
We never let what happened to us from the flood destroy our faith. Our faith pulled us together and made us faithful and strong in the face of diversity.
Joyce Engle
Senior Warden
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The Rev. Canon Ted Babcock rejoices with the parish members of St. Paul's, Manheim with his homily in the rededication of their Sanctuary. |
In September 2011, St. Paul’s, Manheim sustained considerable flood damage to the ground floor on the parish hall side, including church school and office. Financial ledgers and other parish books were damaged, some beyond being legible. Articles and furniture that could be saved were immediately taken to the parish hall. Upon assessing the Sanctuary area we noticed the floor under the pews was sinking – the Sanctuary could not be occupied.
The Diocese was notified. Bishop Baxter and Canon Babcock came to assess the damage. They assured us they would assist us to contact engineers and work with the insurance company to repair the damages.
We re-evaluated the situation and decided to move our pews into the parish hall. We were determined not to give up on our worship services. Within days, the Lancaster Convocation came to move our pews, clean the area and move our worship space into what became our Chapel. Our new Chapel was blessed by Bishop Baxter in November.
The Diocese and the Lancaster Convocation joined us in celebration. It was comforting to know their love and support. On September 15, 2012 we re-dedicated out Sanctuary, inviting the community and members all over the diocese to join us.
We felt devastated at first, but soon lifted our prayers to the Holy Spirit to give us strength and courage to move on. Bishop Baxter and Canon Babcock assured us we would get our Sanctuary back – and we did. Thank you.
