Revealed with Fire

19Feb
The work of each builder will become visible, for the day will disclose it because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each has done.

 -1 Corinthians 3:13


When we lived in Delaware, our son and I made our church home in a Colonial era church in the historic town of New Castle. Immanuel on the Green, founded in 1689, has been the oldest continuously operating Episcopal church in the country. Situated in a picturesque town founded by Peter Stuyvesant, New Castle became the original capital of the state.


On a very cold February day in 1980, the cedar shake roof caught fire when embers from a “controlled burn” marsh fire settled on it. Soon the entire church was on fire. Town residents rushed in to save the hangings, altar cross and candlesticks. A Catholic woman ran in to save the reserved sacrament from the aumbry. Firefighters from nearby states rallied. Because of a strong wind, there was concern that nearby houses, also with cedar roofs, would ignite. They sprayed water on roofs and trees, instantly freezing on contact. The rector slipped on ice and broke his arm. A sacristy safe with 6” walls was found that night having fallen through the floor, to the basement. It was still glowing with heat. A silver communion set that had been a gift of Queen Anne was found undisturbed inside. The church was completely burned, leaving only its brick shell.


For weeks the congregation met in churches of other denominations. Over half a million dollars was raised. The Church Insurance Company paid $1.2 million for restoration. Excess funds of $100K were put in a restoration trust, the growth from which is allocated to other congregations experiencing disasters to this day.


A very old catalpa tree in the church yard was completely hollowed out, but miraculously regrew.


The reference to fire in the New Testament represents purification, the Holy Spirit, and judgment. The burning of Immanuel on the Green was a disaster that struck at the very heart and identity of this historic town. Through the bravery of citizens and firefighters on that day, the generous contributions, and the grace of God, it remains a vibrant example of God’s regenerative love.


Musical Reflection - Fire and Brimstone - The Neville Brothers


Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Amen.

FaithRecoveryGod's Grace

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