Church still in recovery 1 year later

WESTPORT, Conn. (WTNH) --  A church in Westport is still in recovery mode one year after a fire nearly took down the whole church, but that's not stopping them from helping out this holiday.

"It was exactly one year ago today Nov. 20," said John Walsh, Chairman, Trustees at Saugatuck Church.

It's hard to forget the images from that night, one year ago, when a fire ripped through the Westport church. Investigators were unable to determine a cause, but there is no question about the devastation it inflicted on the 180-year-old church. 

"It's been a long process because clearly we've had to deal with the devastation of the fire, we've had to deal with the cleanup, we're dealing with insurance still," said Walsh, "but I think we've made a lot of progress."

A cross burned into the wall is a powerful reminder of what happened.

"Early on we said we're going to claim the fact we're a church without walls and ask what does it mean to be a community of faith that isn't just the building in that white steeple church on the corner," said Rev. Alison Buttrick Patton, Saugatuck Congregational Church.

"Sometimes we worship on the front lawn," said Walsh, "sometimes we worship at the beach."

Remaining consistent is their community involvement, including the annual Thanksgiving meal they provide to those less fortunate.

Ordinarily it's where people would be coming in to be served their Thanksgiving feast on Thursday, but instead, just like last year, a church right around the corner is going to be hosting them instead. And folks there say that's really representative of what the past year has been like for them. They say different faith communities have been pulling together to support them and get them through the year.

A nearby temple has provided them with a regular place to worship and many churches have opened their doors to them.

"On this Thanksgiving week one of the things I really want to lift up is Saugatuck Church is a word of profound gratitude for this community of Westport and in particular for the inter-faith community that's supported us in so many ways," said Rev. Buttrick.

And will continue to support them until their church is rebuilt, which they're hoping will be done by the Fall of 2014.