[LSNN] Will Paleto Bay’s Christian community bounce back after the devastating fire at St. Brigid’s?

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Will Paleto Bay’s Christian community bounce back after the devastating fire at St. Brigid’s?

 

As a mysterious fire causes the tragic loss of St. Brigid’s church in Paleto Bay, we speak to Pastor Adler about efforts to rebuild and a local fundraiser 

 

By PHOEBE HOLTER

 

 

Los Santos, SA - For passers by and locals alike, the bell tower at St. Brigid’s was one of the most instantly recognizable features of the small coastal town of Paleto Bay. Today though, the church and its bell tower stands in charred ruin, following a devastating fire on the night of May 3rd. 

 

As the Lead Pastor of St. Brigid’s, it was not hard to understand why Reverend Scott Adler seemed dejected when he shared with LSNN his feelings on the destruction of the church, labelling it “truly terrible”. Standing at the remains, it was clear from his shaken-up demeanour that the loss had impacted him personally. 

 

Indeed, the loss of the church has been a deep wound for many in the community. Generations have passed through its doors, from those celebrating the birth of a new child, happy couples taking their marriage vows to those mourning the loss of a loved one. 

 

St. Brigid Church is an important piece of our community up here in Paleto. It is a vocal point of the connection that the locals have with our Community and also God's Kingdom, in a sense.

 

It's not just a building to us, you see— A church up here in our community is so much more than just a building. It's a signal of community and bond— Well- As you see.. - Rev. Adler

 

Reverend Scott Adler speaks to a State Fire Marshal at St Brigid's

 

The remains of St Brigid’s are in a dire state. The building as it stands cannot be used for services.

 

But however pained he may have been, Rev. Adler steadfastly explained that if it came to it, they would hold services in the parking lot of the local bar, the Mojito Inn. In a familiar manner for those of us who are religious, he questioned the event as perhaps a test of faith. 

 

This chain of event has all hurt us very deeply up here in Paleto, but I am fairly certain that this is seemingly just a sign of god testing his followers. God still has his loving embrace above our heads in dark times like these.

 

It is important that even in times like these people see that God's Kingdom can't be stopped. We are planning to.. set a sign by holding the sermon in the parking lot of the Mojito Inn if we have to. -  Scott Adler

 

If it was a test, it was a costly one. There is no escaping the fact that efforts to rebuild will be expensive, and Rev. Adler is aware of this. He cast his dispirited gaze on what was left of his church as he explained just how expensive the repairs could be. 

 

Text from the poster seen around the county, advertising the fundraiser

 

Most of it didn't survive the incident- It's a very historic building you see - renovating it will be more expensive as the renovations we had earlier this year. The local community is holding a charity event this week to support our cause.

 

The church will most likely— be renovated at /some/ point if enough money is donated.

And well— if not, then… - Rev. Adler 

 

Hope comes from a group of local community members who seek to hold a fundraiser to help rebuild the church. 

 

At 8PM on Saturday the 8th of May, a fundraising event organised by the Mojito Inn will be held at the church grounds at St. Brigid’s.

 

The fundraising event was the idea of Christian Rothschild— He held a speech yesterday at the Mojito Inn after the fire when we all gathered there.

 

Posters for the fundraiser can be seen around not just Paleto Bay, but also the wider county and city limits. Organizers will hope for a significant turn out, as will Rev. Adler and his parish. 

 

Fire Marshals and Rev. Adler converse at the site of the fire

 

Times like these ask for unity and strength. - Rev. Adler 

 

It will be that hope for unity that will keep many in the Christian community of Paleto Bay and beyond in good spirits over the coming weeks and months. 

 

Perhaps the tragic damage inflicted upon the church will signal a rebirth for the church and its community. 

 

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Username: 

Comment:

Edited May 7, 2021 by MotionSickness

[Marty]

Username:  Anonymous94802

Comment: Imagine misspelling "Fire Marshal" when it's literally shown correctly in the picture you took.

[LG]

Username: Bluewater Logistics

Comment:

 

 

 

Bluewater Logistics are providing $50,000 towards the cost of damages.

 

As a former Paleto Bay Company, we recognise the importance of St Brigids Church, and the work they do for the community, therefore we would like to pledge $50,000 towards the rebuilding of the church.

 

[Geo.]

Username:  MMcKay

Comment: As a Paleto resident, it is disheartening to see that our weekly place of gathering has been destroyed. As a Staff Member of the Mojito Inn, we will do our part in order to restore our place of worship and gathering. 

 

Joel 2:25 "God can restore what is broken and change it into something amazing. All you need is faith". 

Stay strong, PB ❤️

[Adv]

Username: pastorgreg

Comment: This church has been one of the main pillars of community within Paleto Bay for as long as I can remember. Being involved with it and the San Andreas Christian Community has been one of my absolute privileges as a Pastor. Most people come to the Church, when they are in a time of need, but it is at this time that the church comes to the community, to support it's need.

 

We thank everyone that is involved at this time with the fundraiser. We pray that people will come open handed in this tight-fisted world, and help us use any gifts, and our lives to serve this Community.

[StoryTeller24]

Username: Anon (blocked by VPN)
Comment: We can't expect god to all the work. We will rebuild, and even be more heavily untied under gods arms. Those who have burned down the lord scared place will burn under his watch, at the stake.