WEST OLIVE, Mich. - A church that was severely damaged by fire in May is recovering and is looking to make their new building an even better place.
Faith United Reformed Church's offices, classrooms and a library were destroyed by the fire on May 13. The fire started in the steeple, where a transformer that powered a neon light malfunctioned.
Demolition of the portion of the church that was affected by the fire is complete. Only the concrete foundation remains. The steeple fell off the front of the church.
Pastor Matthew Nuiver says they are looking for God's divine plan in the tragedy and finding silver linings in the charred debris. He says it has made them realize that the church is not brick and mortar, but that it is people.
A church committee has been working on a rebuilding plan to make the church bigger and better. Pastor Nuiver says that the outpouring of help from the community and the ability to use South Olive Christian Reformed Church as a temporary home have been blessings they are grateful for.
Plans for when construction of the building will begin, or how much it will cost have not yet been determined.
