A Watertown congregation is cleaning up after lighting struck a church, leading to a fire.
Hosanna Lutheran Church saw extensive damage to both its roof and sanctuary Monday.
Pastor Janine Rew-Werling and Pastor Craig Werling were informed by the National Weather Service that they had tracked a lightning bolt at Hosanna’s property. Pastor Craig was in the building and says he felt and heard something.
Pastor Janine said the roof caught fire and took a little while to be put out.
“It’s extensive damage, but what that is specifically is hard to say,” Rew-Werling said.
She added there are holes in the roof line and rain has entered into the sanctuary because of those holes. That led to flooding in the church’s sanctuary.
“They got that pumped out last night by 11. But now we’re dealing with holes in the roof, slippery roof, raining in, so we’re waiting for the weather to cooperate to tarp it,” Rew-Werling said.
She says the impact of the event goes beyond physical damage at the church.
“But it really is kind of like somebody died. I mean truly the building isn’t the church. It’s God’s word and his sacraments," Rew-Werling said. "Where the people gather around is the church. And so, all of that is certainly intact. But we have to deal with a loss of this building and it’s heartbreaking."
Pastor Janine said she and Pastor Craig worked in a congregation that had its building burnt to the ground. She said what she learned then was to lean on what she knows best.
“We have seen this destruction before, and that congregation rebuilt within six months. And we know what God can do in absolute loss," Rew-Werling said. "And, witnessing that it helps us to know that really we will be fine. It’s going to be a challenge to get there. But, we know ultimately this will sort itself out. It’s going to take a lot of time and struggle,” Rew-Werling said.
Pastor Janine said the church plans to continue holding services, but where those services are held remains to be seen.
