Last September, a fire ripped through parts of the First Church of God during a Sunday school worship.

It damaged parts of the church including where members worshiped, thankfully, no one was hurt.

The building was not a total loss as the two wings in the front are still intact.

Nappanee's First Church of God Pastor Sam Bennett said,

"The fire probably had burned in the attic for 25 minutes or so before we even knew it and so we know we discovered it as it came down during our Sunday school class as we were meeting. It was really already out of control."

Only parts of the church need to be rebuilt, where the sanctuary and fellowship hall are located.

Although, the fire may have destroyed parts of the building, it did not destroy the strong faith the church members hold.

"The church is not the building, but it’s the people, and we’re going to rebuild. We’re alive and well and I can’t wait for that Sunday when we’re in her," said Pastor Bennett.

The plan is to complete demolition in a few weeks and break ground in April.

The church hopes to have construction completed in January 2023, just in time to ring in the new year.

"We’re looking forward to a new building and a new opportunity to minister to our community," said Pastor Bennett.

Pastor Sam Bennett says the community has helped kept the church alive with generous donations and high spirits.

They are currently holding worship on Sundays in The Center Family Christian Development building.

Church members say they’re excited that demolition has begun as this is the first step toward rebuilding.

The new plans for the church should be finalized soon and Pastor Bennett says he is very excited to share them.