ELMA, N.Y. — Leaders from St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Elma say since the fire last year, the number of parishioners has actually gone up, and support from the Elma community remains strong.
"Our numbers are up for weekly worship before the pre-pandemic numbers, and members have reignited and engaged with the congregation," said Bob Breidenstein, rebuild chairperson for St. Paul's Church. "They've come back home to the church, even though the church is no longer here."
One year since the fire that destroyed the church, there's an ongoing effort to raise funds and build a new church.
On Wednesday, June 16, St. Paul's will host their annual strawberry social fundraiser starting at 4 p.m.
St. Paul's also has a new pastor who remains optimist about the rebuilding process.
"It's really been alot of just word of mouth and friends bringing friends," Breidenstein said. "So were really appreciative of the community coming out and supporting us, coming out for these events not only helping finacially, but showing up and being there for us, and so that what we hope continues for the future as we grow as a congregation that's built on good healthy relationships."
Leaders from the congregation say in the next several weeks they hope to select an architect. They hope construction will be complete by the end of next year.
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