US CHURCH COPING WITH TWO FIRE DISASTERS

Virginia Theological Seminary and the headquarters offices of the Diocese of Northern California, were hit by devastating fires last week.

In Alexandria near Washington DC, the VTS faculty and students were off-campus as the "seminary community began its corporate worship at Immanuel Episcopal Church-on-the-Hill" three days after a fire devastated the school's historic wooden chapel, according to a note posted on the seminary's Facebook Tribute Page.

Although the VTS wooden chapel, built in 1881, was heavily damaged in the Oct. 22 fire, "some stained glass windows appear to have survived," according to an email circulated Oct. 25 to alumni and friends by the Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, VTS dean.

While contemplating rebuilding, Markham added that: "In due course, you will hear about the semi-permanent measures we will put in place to guarantee the centrality of worship in our common life.

"Life goes on, but we are grieving on the Holy Hill. Life is far from normal and the future is not totally focused. It is too early to talk about rebuilding or a new chapel. VTS has always been about memories, ministry and mission in the name of Jesus," he added. "This remains the case today—and our story for the future."

Some 2,700 miles westward, in mid-town Sacramento, the River City Food Bank, a ministry of the Diocese of Northern California, resumed food and other aid to the local hungry from temporary offices across the street from its charred headquarters.

The diocesan headquarters, including the office of the bishop also sustained heavy fire, smoke and water damage.

The diocese's centennial convention, planned for Nov. 11-13 and themed "Remember, Rejoice and Renew," will proceed as planned, Kerri Lopez said. But, she added, after the Oct. 21 fire that destroyed two buildings, "we could add 'rebuild' in there now, too."

The Rev. Canon Britt Olson, diocesan canon to the ordinary, said that temporary office space "has been procured for our office manager, accounting, administration and finance functions so they may do essential tasks."

In the interim, other staff, including communications, youth and young adult ministries as well as Bishop Barry Beisner, will work remotely, communicate electronically and gather for periodic staff meetings.

"We won't be returning to the building for at least a year and even then we're unsure if we'll rebuild at this location or elsewhere," Olson added.

The cause of the Oct. 21 fire is still under investigation. A second fire the same day, rekindled by smoking ash, resulted in additional smoke, water and physical damage to the buildings. The financial losses have yet to be calculated.