Betsy Kline
Kinnaird Church of God is moving forward and looking to the future as they recover from the fire that damaged much of their building on March 18.
The arson fire started in the library in the back basement area of the church.
The smoke damage throughout the building was extensive.
Lee M. Wilding, 19, of Castlegar has been arrested in the case and the next hearing is set for April 14.
Most of the building needs to be gutted clear to the outer sheeting.
The building will then undergo a “soot seal” followed by new insulation and drywall.
The clean-up and restoration process has already begun.
The contract for the rebuilding phase will go out to local businesses the end of April.
The church’s insurance policy is covering the costs.
The congregation has been meeting at the Castlegar Christian Fellowship. Pastor Gordon Malcolm generously offered to share the building until the Kinnaird Church of God can return to its own building. The congregation is hoping that will happen by Christmas.
The church’s Pastor, Reverend Cynthia Dillen Pelletier has been touched by the support of the faith community.
“I am excited about what God is doing in the community. We are all on the same team. It is a blessing to come together in unity and prayer,” Rev. Pelletier said.