St. John's Lutheran Church in Vesta, hours after a July 1 "series of downbursts" with winds of 90 - 100 mph ripped half of the south roof off. Photo courtesy of Brian Kletscher.
FOR SIX MONTHS NOW, since strong winds ripped half the roof from St. John’s Lutheran Church in my hometown of Vesta, the congregation has been without a permanent place to worship.
The southern half of the roof was ripped off by high winds and toppled onto the bell tower, which has since been removed. It was attached to the sides of the entry, as seen in this image from September.
Inside the sanctuary I listened to the wind flap the tarp that covered the damaged roof in September.
The pews and other items from the church were moved into the undamaged social hall.
Ponder that for a moment. If you are a church-going person, how would you be impacted by the temporary closure of your church building?
Here’s how St. John’s members have dealt with the situation: They are worshipping at their sister congregation, Peace Lutheran in Echo, about 10 miles away. They are holding Sunday School classes in the Vesta Community Hall. They are rebuilding and expanding St. John’s.
Repairs and building expansion are underway at St. John's in this photo taken on December 23.
The south side church expansion includes an office, handicapped accessible bathroom and an enlarged narthex, according to my mom, who attends St. John's.
Like the strong prairie people they are, St. John’s folks are adapting. They are helping one another, offering rides to those who can’t/don’t wish to drive to Echo, especially during the winter months.
Yet, this absence of their church within their community can’t always be easy. Imagine losing a loved one who attended St. John’s, whose death could not be mourned in the comfort of familiar surroundings. The same goes for celebrating baptisms and weddings.
In a small town like Vesta, population around 330, a church knits people and lives together into a community of care. That still exists. But, without a building, it takes extra effort to maintain that closeness.
For those who call St. John’s home and for those of us who grew up in this congregation, the reopening of these church doors cannot come soon enough.
Will “soon” be Easter?
© Copyright 2011 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
I feel sorry for that what down-burst caused for Your church!
In 2010 down-burst destroyed badly the cemetery in which my late father lies.
Cemetery after storm
I wish all the best to You and a very Happy New Year!
When a small-town church temporarily closes, it affects the entire community. But it could have been worse, much worse. I’m sorry to hear about the damage to the cemetery.