Flood Recovery

&

Church Regeneration

On Tuesday, July 11 our beloved church and downtown Montpelier (Vermont’s state capital) experienced the worst flooding since 1927. We’re moving forward with recovery and regeneration and invite you to join us with your prayers and financial assistance.

The day following the flood members began to tear up carpeting. By Saturday, with the help of family and friends, all carpeting was removed, the bottom portion of sheet rock was cut out, and part of our heating system removed. Books and IT equipment were moved off site. We installed numerous fans to begin the drying-out process.

As we now look towards rebuilding and regenerating our church, we have a better sense of the needed financial assistance for new flooring; repairing and painting all interior walls, baseboards, and trim; installing a new heating-cooling system; and purchasing some new furnishings.

You can contact us by email at clerk@csmontpelier.org; through the mail at First Church of Christ, Scientist, 145 State Street, Montpelier, VT, 05602; and make a donation through PayPal.

The Flood

The above aerial photo was circulated locally and shows the Montpelier High School circled in black. The First Church of Christ, Scientist is in the lower right. The Church is one block from the State capital building. Between the High School and Church is the Winooski River. After heavy rains, the banks of the Winooski overflowed. Water flooded into the Church damaging all the carpets, materials on the floor, and requiring sheetrock to be removed 18 inches up from the floor to prevent further moisture issues in the walls.

The Church is on the corner of Bailey Avenue and State Street. The following WCAX-TV video clip begins with a with a view of the Church from Bailey Avenue then pans to the intersection of Bailey and State. Past the intersection street lights is the bridge over the Winooski River, which is completely covered in water.

Flood Damage

Once flooded roads cleared, Church members and volunteers took immediate action to assess the damage and begin the recovery. The following is a photo gallery showing some the of work needed to rebuild after the flood.

Church Regeneration

Our grounds also need regenerating. Numerous neighbors and children pass by and through our church grounds of their way to downtown shopping, work, and school. Over the years, many have expressed their thanks and gratitude for the peaceful beauty of our grounds and where their children can play. There are benches for them to sit and rest. Plans call for expanding this welcoming environment while reducing the potential for future flooding of our building through a landscaped berm around half of the church.

The affluence of divine Love’s grace makes all things possible. Our many needs to-date have been met often before we recognized them. It is truly an amazing and wondrous journey of church renewal. Join us as we move forward in whatever way you can.

With love and gratitude!