To all Old Union Church members and friends,
On May 20, 2002 many people near the church were awakened by sirens.
A quick look and reaction, OH NO!! THE CHURCH IS ON FIRE!
It was only a short time and nearly 100 fire fighters were on the scene.
It was too late to save as the 136 year old structure was very dry and the fire had spread very quickly. By daylight it was reduced to a pile of smoldering ashes.
Almost as soon as it was evident that it was not to be saved, the words going through the crowd were, "We are going to rebuild".
The first building was a log structure before it was replaced with this just destroyed building.
Stories were soon being told of all the people who are identified with Old Union Church. Stories about the revivals when the church was absolutely full and people would stand outside and look in the windows (before the building was raised and the basement put in). Many were remembering the weddings, and also the funerals.
Our congregation is small, usually about 40 to 60 present on Sunday morning, but our faith in our Lord is great.
Thank you, from Jim Neal, with inputs from Jim Gillespie and Jerry Rothauser
Photos by Greg Gochenour and Jim Neal
