Clinton church destroyed

By Samantha Pidde
Herald Staff Writer

January 12, 2009 11:28 am

— CLINTON — A Clinton church was destroyed by fire Saturday night, with firefighters on Sunday overseeing the remains of New Hope Lutheran Church, 401 N. Fourth St., to watch for any remaining hot spots.
The Clinton Fire Department was called to the church Saturday night at 9:24 p.m. According to Clinton Fire Department reports, firefighters saw flames coming out a window on the south side of the church. All available Clinton firefighters were called to assist, including Fire Chief Mark Regenwether and Fire Marshal Mike Brown. Thirty firefighters responded to the scene with two engines, two ladder trucks and an ambulance.
The state fire marshal’s office has been notified as has the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
New Hope Pastor Michael Brewer received a call from a parishioner who had heard a report of the fire at their church on a scanner. Brewer said he and his family arrived at the scene a little after 9:30 p.m. to see what was happening.
“Within three or four minutes, it seemed the whole top of the church, the sanctuary was in flames,” said Brewer.
“The flames were bright orange flames shooting everywhere,” said Valija Tubbs, who has lived just across the street and two homes down from the church on Fourth Avenue North since 1975, when the church was still known as St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church.
Tubbs said she watched as the flames kept crawling across the frame and roof, inching forward. She said a large crowd of people gathered to watch the fire and offer support. The firefighters kept the crowd back as they tried to control the fire.
According to the fire department’s release, an interior attack was attempted, but the fire was too advanced. The crew was removed from the building and a defense strategy was put in place. The church was declared a total loss. However, the church’s office area was saved.
A portion of the church was the original building from when the church was founded in 1876. Back then, this originally Danish church was known as St. Johnnes. Brewer had been pastor of Lutheran Church of Atonement, which was located on Second Avenue South, since 1990 and pastor for St. Stephens since 1994.



In 2005, the two churches merged at the St. Stephen’s location to form New Hope Lutheran Church.
Brewer said the congregation still has a few items from the church’s origin that survived Saturday’s fire. Brewer said because the office area was saved, they were able to save many church documents and records from when the church was founded. Brewer said what makes these records even more valuable and irreplaceable is that they are in Danish. Brewer said they also hope to try to save the bell from the bell tower, which came from the Danish congregation.
“Most everyone is for moving forward and rebuilding,” said Brewer. He said the members of the congregation met Sunday to discuss what must be done. He said the members expressed a wish to rebuild the church either at this location or another one. However, he said plans are in the earliest stages and nothing is to sure at this time. He said he is however, confident that God will guide them to the correct path. Another issue which he said is still being worked on is what will be done about worship services for the time being.
“Certainly the goal of the congregation is to continue as normally as possible,” said Brewer, adding, “We wish to continue to worship together as a community.”
Brewer said many churches have already contacted him, inviting his congregation to join theirs. However, he said no concrete plan has been made. Brewer said once a location for services has been found, the details will be made available to the public. He said they hope to find a location in time for next Sunday’s service.
“It’s sad that it happened because there’s a lot of things in the church for people,” said Tubbs. She said New Hope Lutheran Church was a great place full of caring people. She said the church’s various programs did a great deal of good in the area. Tubbs said she thinks churches like this one are needed to “keep America going.”
Tubbs also said it is a shame that such beauty was destroyed. She particularly felt saddened the beautiful stained-glass windows on the side of the building are now gone. She said she will also miss another small constant of the church. Tubbs said everyday for a long while, whenever she has looked up at the cross on the church she could be sure to see a bird who likes to sit on top of it. Now she does not expect to see him any more. Tubbs said she just never expected something like this to happen so close to her home.
“The church didn’t burn. The building burned. The church is so much more than a building,” said Brewer. He said the church will find a way to continue. He added that he hopes by looking to God and following his love, perhaps some good will come out of this situation.
“We’re extremely grateful for everything the fire department, police and road crews have done to deal with the fire,” said Brewer.
He said the road crews and other city employees did a great of cleaning up the damage caused by the fire to allow the neighborhood to continue to function.
Those wishing to contribute any donations to New Hope Lutheran Church, can do so at Members Choice Credit Union. The fire is currently under investigation.

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