Austin church begins cleanup after March 10 fire


By Rachel L. Toalson
Staff Writer

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning
the fiery trial which is to try you, as though
some strange thing happened unto you.
But rejoice, in as much as ye are partakers
of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory
shall be revealed, ye may be glad also
with exceeding joy.”

1 Peter 4:12-13

Members of St. Mark’s UMC, Austin, haven’t quite reached a place of rejoicing.
But the words that mark the “fire page” on the church Web site have resonated with parishioners, who are trying to pick up the pieces after an early morning fire destroyed the church offices and damaged parts of the sanctuary March 10.
They gathered March 17—with volunteers from across the Austin District—to begin cleaning up the church grounds and salvaging items from inside the building that suffered little smoke or water damage.
The group celebrated its progress with a potluck lunch.
Still, the Rev. Patricia Zaiontz-Newcomer, pastor, said she occasionally will walk into the damaged sanctuary and find parishioners gazing at the stained glass windows, crying from a weary sadness.
She said she believes members won’t give up, no matter what.
“We have not been defeated,” she said. “No one wants to let what happened to our building be the final word about St. Mark’s. This congregation is strong and resilient. They will not let this stop them from being the church in this neighborhood.”
Businesses and neighbors who live near the church have offered help, supplies, materials and money, Newcomer said. The church has also received many e-mail messages saying that St. Mark’s is being remembered in prayer.
The Austin Fire Department has ruled the 5:30 a.m. fire, which caused $250,000 in damage, arson. It is believed to have been set to cover a burglary of small electronics from the church office.
Newcomer said the church has been no stranger to vandalism and was burglarized around Christmas last year, when someone broke in a window and stole several small electronic items and a laptop computer. Investigators are determining whether that crime is linked to the arson, she added.
“This was expected in the sense that burglaries happen a lot, even to churches,” Newcomer said. “But it’s unexpected in the sense that no one expects arson, especially arson at a church. St. Mark’s is known for mission and outreach. It was disappointing because we work so ceaselessly to help those in need.
“But it was heartening to hear that some of the homeless whom we have helped were going to look out for us now.”
Newcomer said she is not worried about the church’s location having a part in the sporadic burglaries because “God put us here 50 years ago, and we’re still here now.”
As the church community heals, the office and sanctuary will be repaired, Newcomer said. The church will also begin a renovation/extension of the education building—which means two-thirds of the plant will be under construction for the next six months to a year.
Members are worshiping in a church annex until their sanctuary is repaired. A temporary church office has been set up in the church’s community building.
“God will help us overcome this obstacle and will be with us in the process of helping grow the kingdom,” Newcomer said. “It was a promise, and we believe it.”