THORNDIKE — The fire that destroyed the Thorndike Congregational Church did not stop the parishioners from holding Sunday services.

The century-old church was gutted on Dec. 28 in an early morning fire that officials blame on an electrical malfunction. Deaconess Patty Banker said 30 church members along with Pastor Paul Press gathered Sunday for a service at the Clyde and Hazel Rumney residence. Banker said 27 adults and three children filled a recreation room at the Rumney home for a service with a “brotherly love” theme. The message of the service is in response to all the offers of support from community members and area churches, according to Banker.

Additional Photos

UNCERTAIN: The remains of the Thorndike Congregational Church stands on Monday after being gutted by fire on Dec. 28. According to Deaconess Patty Banker the congregation is in favor of rebuilding the century-old church but a decision has not been made on a date. Banker said church services will continue every Sunday at Clyde and Hazel Rumney’s home at 42 Palmer Road in Thorndike at 10 a.m. Staff photo by David Leaming

“The service was very upbeat and hopeful even though we are all saddened at the loss of the church,” Banker said. “We are all determined to move ahead and rebuild.”

The church is still standing along the Gordon Hill Road, blackened from the ground level to the top of the steeple, now surrounded by yellow tape and a “no trespassing” sign. The interior is destroyed and a large hole in a back wall reveals charred pews, pulpit, organ and chairs. Firefighters recovered church records and Banker said there is an interest in saving the bell inside the steeple as well as salvaging some of the stained glass windows and pews.

Though the wood is destroyed and windows shattered, the will of the congregation to rebuild and continue services was left untouched.

Banker said following Sunday’s service a meeting was held and it was reaffirmed that the congregation wants to rebuild the church, which was insured.

“We did not make a decision as to when we will rebuild, and we are contacting local contractors to both tear down the old church and build a new one in the same location,” Banker said. “The consensus is to forge ahead as soon as possible.” Rebuilding the church likely would not start this winter, she said.

The church has had offers from area churches to allow services at their church, but Banker said services will continue at the Rumney home at 42 Palmer Road every Sunday at 10 a.m.

“We feel it is important as a community church to stay based in Thorndike,” Banker said. “We want to remain here as a church and be here for people who need us.”

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