Congregation keeps a positive outlook
SHEFFIELD — It was the second pew from the back, on the right side.
That was where Charlotte Evans always sat for services at First United Pentecostal Church.
Now, the 18-foot-long solid oak pew, like all of the other pews at the church, cannot even be located. They were burned in a July 2 fire that destroyed the church.
“When I first heard about the church on fire my heart was broken,” Evans said. “I thought about the pew I always sat on. That’s the pew I was in when I got the Holy Ghost.”
The congregation members, about 45, are grappling with a variety of emotions since the fire, but even amid the shock they maintain a positive outlook.
“We’re good,” Evans said. “You move on and start to think about the next place we’re going to have church.”
They learned July 3 that location will be Park Place, which is about a block from the 407 N. Columbia Ave. church. It was Evans who contacted Park Place’s JordanRodriguezandasked about providing space for services. Rodriguez replied they can have the conference room indefinitely.
“It’s perfect,” Evans said. “It’s got a platform, microphones, a piano, bathroom, everything. I was so excited. This is God acting. That is what this is. He’s very much alive and takes care of us.”
Rodriguez said he is glad to offer the conference room.
“We have a lot of unused spaces we don’t know what to do with, and it’s nice to help out a neighbor,” Rodriguez said. “I’m glad they reached out. That area used to be used as a congregation place. It already has a pulpit and pew. We’re really trying to improve this place and make it look great and also want to show the town we’ve made it look better.”
Paul Pounders was among church members removing any salvageable items from the remains of the still-smoldering building that was built in 1943.
“It’s sad to see it burn, because it’s been so many years,” Pounders said. “It’s unreal how fast something can happen. I’m just glad nobody got hurt. The firefighters didn’t get hurt.”
Pastor Gilbert Salinas said the fire may have started in the HVAC unit. He was inside when the fire broke out and went outside and saw black smoke coming from the unit.
His son, Assistant Pastor Nathan Salinas, was in the church with him when the fire broke out. He held an upbeat disposition Thursday.
“This is one of the best days of my life because I’m here and I’ve alive,” Nathan Salinas said.
He said he has accepted that this is part of God’s plan for the church.
“It’s the end of one chapter and beginning of another,” he said. “The author has the pen and he’s just beginning to write.”
Vernon Evans said he has numerous memories of the church.
“All my brothers and sisters got married here,” he said. “It’s a lot of history and it won’t be forgotten. It’s the family’s church, but it’s just a building. We’re all like family at this church. We don’t have a lot of people, but we’ve got good people.”
Vernon Evans expects mixed emotions from members of the congregation when they gather Sunday at Park Place.
“There will be a lot of sadness but a lot of happiness, too,” he said. “Our pastor also asks if anybody has what we call praise reports during church. I expect there will be several praise reports.”
He echoed the sentiment of his fellow church members in saying he trusts God’s plan.
“This is just part of the direction we’ve got to take,” he said. “I am so thankful for Park Place. It’s just truly a blessing to have the community come together and see that we’re in need and give us help.”
