Pilgrim’s Rest Church on Highway 160 in Fairdealing, Missouri, is having a Fall Festival and building fundraiser.
The event will take place from 12-3 p.m. on Oct. 30. All monies collected will be used to rebuild the church building that burned almost two years ago.
The original church burned in the dark hours of Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019.
“Someone driving by spotted the fire,” said Joy Martin. She is a long time church attendee and is hosting the fundraiser.
The Logan Creek Fire Department received the call at 12:50 a.m., and finally contained it around 6:30 a.m., according to earlier reports.
“It was too far gone,” said Martin. The building was a total loss.
“It was arson,” she added. There was evidence of a break-in, but the culprit was never identified. The attack slowed but did not stop the church services of the congregation.
“We missed one Sunday,” said Martin.
The next Sunday and all Sundays since, the congregation has met in the church of Springhill Baptist.
“We are going to be back,” she insists. “We saved the bricks and the white stone cross from the front and they will be used in the new building.”
On the day of the Fall Festival, Pastor Jerry Payne and church member Jerry Martin will be on hand with pulled pork, burgers and bratwurst. There will also be baked beans, potato salad and desserts supplied by church members. Martin wants everyone to know that the food will be available for dine in or carry out.
Attendees will have the opportunity to buy baked goods made fresh by church members and to participate in a silent auction of seasonal gift baskets, homemade preserves and desserts.
The details are not set, but there will be live music by local artists at the festival.
The church also received a most unusual donation to auction: an American Kennel Club standard male poodle puppy.
“He is a stunner,” said Martin, “A true show dog with champion parents.”
There will also be door prizes.
“But I’m going to keep them secret,” she said.
The church’s building committee will be accepting bids soon. It plans to employ only local contractors. A groundbreaking service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Sunday, November 7.
“We are inviting all past pastors,” said Martin.
There will prayer and worship service on the site of the future church building.
Donations to Pilgrim’s Rest can be sent to PO Box 69, Fairdealing, Missouri, 63939. All checks should be marked Building Fund. Anyone interested in the AKC poodle or needing any information about the fundraiser may contact the church on Facebook or email Martin at joy.martin.whnp@gmial.com.