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Fire destroys St. John’s UMC Texas City

By Eleanor L. Colvin, Director of Communications

“The agonizing experience of watching your church burn to the ground cannot be expressed in words,” said Rev. Tom Crowe, nearly one week after a fire consumed St. John’s UMC Texas City on September 10.

Although the structure is irreparable, the spirit of its members is not damaged. Symbolically, the church’s steeple and cross also withstood the blaze in which no one was injured. 

“The people of St. John’s are coming together in a strong way to witness to their faith in Jesus Christ,” Crowe said. “In the midst of many cares and memories shared….has come the strength of spirit and hope and the power of love in this strong congregation.”

The church family and supporters prayed on site while the church was burning and gathered three days later for worship at First UMC Texas City.  In addition, other programs like their Angel Food Ministries are continuing uninterrupted, with deliveries taking place in the church parking lot. And October “Trunk or Treat” activities are still set.

Demolition has begun, and so have the plans for rebuilding. To help St. John’s recover, make checks payable to St. John’s Capital Fund, and send to Texas First Bank in Texas City or to the South District Office at P.O. Box 1456, Pasadena, Texas, 77501.

Hundreds of churches, pastors and laity throughout the connection already have sent love, prayers and generous donations, the pastor said.

No stranger to disaster, Crowe, who was appointed to St. John’s in June, spent the last seven years First UMC Winnie, where he said he experienced two hurricanes. “From tragedy, the church will find its identity strengthened,” he said. “We are a sad people, we are a thankful people, we are a hopeful people; and our hope rests in God.”

Keep up with St. John's UMC recovery news by following them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/StJohnsUMCTC. Or, join the Facebook group “St John's UMC Texas City” at www.facebook.com. 

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