The roof still leaks, but the building at 801 University Ave. W. is sold.
The congregation of Faith United Methodist Church gathered June 3 at the site where they had worshipped since 1951 to burn the mortgage papers and to deconsecrate the church, the pews, the baptismal font and the altar.
The flood of 2011 "baptized" the building and left it unusable for worship.
Article Photos
The Rev. Keith Nelson, superintendent of the Sakakawea District of the Dakotas United Methodist Church, far left, encouraged the congregation of Faith United Methodist Church with a simple message: “As the roof leaks, let your vision leak into the world.” Also in the photo to the left of Nelson are Doug Hultberg, church treasurer, Bob Lower, the Rev. Debra Ball-Kilbourne, the Rev. Cliff Nelson and Tracey Olson. Ball-
Kilbourne is pastor of the church and Nelson served as pastor of the church for 12 years. Lower and Olson are lay leaders at the church.
Loretta Johnson/MDN
Members were allowed to share their memories; there were tears and still an occasional smile was detected. There had been more than baptisms, weddings and funerals; there had been meetings, dinners, music and fellowship with more than 47,000 meals served per year out of the Lord's Cupboard every year for several years. Friendships were made; sins were forgiven.
A new worship space for the congregation will be ready this fall at the former Field and Stream location north of Minot.