FAIRDEALING — The last two years have been trying for the congregation of Pilgrim’s Rest church on Highway 160 in Fairdealing.
An arsonist set fire to the church building Nov. 17, 2019. The structure was completely destroyed. The arsonist was never caught and the criminal court case stalled the congregation’s efforts to rebuild the church, according to church members.
The congregation met at Springhill Baptist in the interim and waited.
When the court system resolved the legal issues, the church found out the act of arson also affected the insurance settlement. The monies received were not sufficient to rebuild the church, they report.
The church started fundraising to get the needed funds. They held a fall festival in October 2021 and served over 200 plates of barbecue.
They received an unusual donation of an American Kennel Club standard poodle puppy. They auctioned the animal and then had three more dogs donated for sale. Their efforts gained them significant funds to supplement the insurance monies.
“We’ve had very good community support,” said Joy Martin.
A member of the congregation nearly her entire life, she led the successful fundraising efforts.
Eager to have their own church back, the church members set the date of Nov. 7, 2021, for a groundbreaking service. They were unable to make that date when Pastor Ron Payne and his wife Debbie were hospitalized with COVID-19. Unfortunately, Pastor Payne did not recover. He passed away on Nov. 2, 2021. His wife Debbie spent over 50 days in the hospital, suffering permanent damage to her lungs.
The church’s pastor committee arranged for fill-in pastors and the congregation waited while Debbie Payne recovered.
Debbie Payne is out of the hospital and at her home now. She had 70% of her lungs destroyed by the illness and is on oxygen. Martin is one of the church women who spend time helping her adjust to her post-COVID life.
She said Payne is ready for the groundbreaking service.
“We’re coming back,” said Martin. “We’ve overcome. Pilgrim’s Rest is back on track to break ground.”
The new date for the groundbreaking event is Sunday, Jan. 30. It will be held at 11 a.m.
Everyone is invited to participate in the worship service and enjoy food prepared by the church members. They will be serving burgers, bratwursts and hot dogs.
The church’s founding pastor, Marvin Richards, will also be on hand for the event.
Anyone interested in applying for pastoral duties at Pilgrim’s Rest can contact deacon Jim Willis at 573-778-7338.