Flood Recovery Update

One Year After the Flood – Progress Update

Heat is on! On December 7th, ten days short of a full year after the devastating flood, the new heating system for Fellowship Hall was installed and we have heat. This milestone marks a significant step forward in our recovery journey, allowing us to return to our church home for worship services and other church functions in Fellowship Hall.

Winter Cleanup and Repairs
In the months following the flood, much of our effort focused on clearing out damaged items, including furnishings, flooring, supplies, eight refrigeration units, and food from both the Dinner Bell and the Food Pantry. Unfortunately, asbestos was discovered in two areas, necessitating safe removal.

A major undertaking involved addressing a 700-gallon oil spill in the crawlspace, which had to be remediated in compliance with state regulations. We installed a new moisture barrier and dehumidifiers in the crawlspace, and this fall, test wells were placed around the property. Additionally, we transitioned from oil to a propane heating system.

Rebuilding the Mechanical Room
The mechanical room sustained extensive damage, including the loss of the boiler, furnace, hot water heater, and air conditioning unit. The room was completely gutted and redesigned to safeguard the new boilers against future damage. A raised mezzanine level was constructed in the mechanical room allowing all mechanical equipment to be installed at a full floor level higher than the previous location. This complex and costly project has totaled over $75,000 so far (excluding work on the Sanctuary).

Pantry and Dinner Bell Updates
To ensure long-term functionality, the Food Pantry and Dinner Bell refrigeration units were relocated from the lower level. All refrigeration units have been replaced.

The Dinner Bell received the necessary updates, including propane source heat and hot water, and new refrigeration units.  Thanks to Barbara Hoyt and her dedicated volunteers, Dinner Bell will resume operations with take-out meals starting Monday, January 6th.

The Food Pantry had to move from the lowest level and is now housed in what used to be the classroom. This room required new flooring, updated electrical work, and new shelving. With the shelves starting to fill, the Food Pantry is set to reopen on Tuesday, January 21st, with clients able to make appointments for service.

Sanctuary Repairs and Future Plans
The Sanctuary remains a work in progress. The new boilers installed in the mechanical room will provide heat for all areas except the Sanctuary, which will have its own dedicated heating and air conditioning system. Plans also include refinishing the floors and replacing the carpets, which were damaged by oil fumes. There are also structural issues which need to be addressed as funding allows.

Community Support and Financial Update
To date, the church has invested over $199,240 in recovery efforts, including repairs, replacements, and upgrades. Estimates for the remaining work are in progress. We continue to meet with FEMA monthly.  All work must be completed and paid for before FEMA funds are disbursed.

From day one, we have worked closely with Bergeron Technical Services, whose guidance and support have been invaluable throughout this challenging process. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed through donations or discounted services.

In the meantime, Sunday services are being held in the Fellowship Hall, which will also hosted the American Legion’s Christmas Day dinner. We are grateful we were able to host this event again. We hope to be able to host our church dinners again in the not too distant future.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey. Your generosity and encouragement keep us moving forward.