There is not much new information to report at this time:
- The cause remains undetermined at this time. Investigators are still trying to find the origin of the blaze, but have been thus far stymied in their search. Everyone expected that the cause would have been discovered by now; we all pray that a resolution to this matter will be discovered soon.
- The roof has been patched, except for the section above the tabernacle which is still under investigation.
- Initial clean-up of the site is winding down. ServiceMaster, the clean-up contractor, has been doing an outstanding job of clearing the debris and removing the affected materials. Among the activities that they have accomplished:
- The carpet and the tile have been removed from the church.
- The pew cushions have been discarded.
- Various "obstructions" have been removed from the body of the church (the piano, the lift, the altar, the tabernacle, etc.)
- All vestments have been cleaned, as well as our altar linens and decorative cloths.
- Many items have been cleaned and stored for the future.
- Remaining clean-up to be done:
- The investigation area (the area surrounding the tabernacle and the ambo/pulpit) has been untouched, and is still filled with rubble and debris.
- The roof above the investigation area still needs to be patched.
- The top of the scaffolding remains unexplored and uncleaned, pending the results of the investigation.
- Once the initial clean-up has been completed, longer-term reconstruction plans will be made. This will likely begin with a removal of the scaffolding so that the work of renovation and restoration can begin in earnest.