At the Pier Six Pavilion, church was in session this Sunday morning. The theme of the day? The fires that burn inside all of us."God will be with you in the midst of fire. Touch your neighbor and tell them we're fireproof," said Pastor Frank Reid.
Just days after the fire that destroyed part of Bethel AME's church, it is obvious that this church family is indeed fireproof.
On Wednesday lightening struck the steeple of the church and started a two-alarm fire. The blaze ruined the steeple, but thankfully did not touch the sanctuary or the church administrative offices.
Today's message incorporated the theme of fire. But instead of dwelling on what happened this week, it focused on the personal fires experienced by everyone in this congregation.
"There's a fire in everybody's house, and if you are in between fires keep on living, but you will experience more than one fire in your life," said Reid.
Bethel's First Lady Marlaa’ Reid says that while the physical church was damaged, the church lives inside of each and every parishioner.
"It's god's favor to help us come back in the midst of every fire. God has shown us this week that we are fireproof, that we will go through a fire but we've come through this fire victorious," says Marlaa’ Reid.
Bethel hopes to hold services at their sanctuary within the next three weeks. Parishioners will be contacted about where to meet for next week's service.
There were prayers of thanks at Friday nights meeting of the congregation of Bethel AME Church.
About 100 members gathered at Pennsylvania Avene AME Zion church because Bethel remains closed due to Wednesday night's fire.
Dr. Frank Madison Reid 111 told his congregation he called the meeting because he wanted them informed, inspired and involved as church leaders work with the city and insurance company's to restore the historic church.
Mayor Sheila Dixon also addressed the congregation.
Dixon, a member of Bethel, called the fire a blessing because the sanctuary was not not affected by the fire or water used to battle the blaze.
The fire started Wednesday night during a thunderstorm. It's believed a lightening strike sparked the fire.
An attorney for the church told ABC2 it will be next week before they have dollar amounts on the damage.
The church plans to hold Sunday services at the Pier Six Pavillion beginning at 9:30.
