On 12/24/24 fire swept through the former 1st Lutheran Church downtown Indy, gutting the building.
Since decommissioning, it has been a party venue place, offering facilities for receptions and other gatherings.
Learning of the tragedy, I was gob smacked with shock and grief. It was the first place I served as a student assistant, including many church duties.
When I came along, the church was about to close and move. The old tale of urban blight was taking churches and much more away.
So many memories. Helping the area kids and offering Sunday school. Ministering to the growing elderly congregation. Getting to know the people, many friends. Work in the hood and ministering to shall we say people of the night.
My first sermon was there. It was 20 minutes lol. They got shorter and pithier -s-.
The congregation voted to stay. They survived only a few years when I left.
It was the first Lutheran church downtown, under the name of Mt Pisgah. It fostered 5 more in the area, which survive.
I won't detail but I'm chock full of memories; loving, sweet, bitter, sad and joyful.
I was proud to serve the Lord there.
We hosted the Syrian Orthodox church for a while. I learned their name, Arabic for God. Made many friends.
Campus ministry was one of my specialties and worked with St Bridget's Catholic church.
The fire was total with an emergency demolition that morning.
I don't think they'll find the cause.
I used to preach we must not contain ourselves just within 4 walls. We must reach out everywhere.
So it was at 1st.
The building is gone.
But not the faith.
God's love lives forever.
