Milwaukee Trinity church fire, 4 years later, restoration ongoing

MILWAUKEE – It took hours to destroy and years to construct again. Sunday, Might 15 marked 4 years because the 140-year-old Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church went up in flames.

“It was surprising. It was unreal. It was positively a surreal day,” mentioned Jackie Nugent, church member.

Sunday was bittersweet, recalling the devastation from the hearth that tore by the church on Might 15, 2018.

“I couldn’t imagine what was occurring,” mentioned Nugent. 

It was additionally a day to rejoice progress within the restoration.

“We’re grateful to God for all that he’s offering,” mentioned Rev. M. Douglas Peters. 

Rev. Peters mentioned the multi-million greenback mission is not accomplished but.

“We have been asking all arms on deck to carry this mission collectively,” mentioned Rev. Peters.

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Most just lately, new stained-glass home windows have been put in, however upstairs, there’s nonetheless numerous work to do.

“These are the issues we’re going to have to boost cash for, the pews the steeple, cupola, the stained-glass home windows, the ultimate woodworking and the large one is the organ,” mentioned Rev. Peters.

Whereas progress continues inside, Rev. Peters mentioned what’s outdoors church partitions is most vital.

“Milwaukee desperately wants our Lord’s items in a time of nice struggling and sorrow we’re seeing round us,” mentioned Rev. Peters. “We all know what occurred final Friday, and that’s blocks from the place this church is. It must be restored, and we have to have this beacon of hope going ahead in Milwaukee.”

Rev. Peters mentioned he is aware of first-hand that adversity can ignite religion and unity.

“Simply sort of brings everybody collectively and sort of provides function,” mentioned Nugent.

About two-thirds of the restoration mission stays to be accomplished, costing about $6 million.