FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

An arsonist destroyed the inside of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Washington, including the church steeple, historic stained glass windows and sanctuary.

The First Congregational United Church of Christ is a pillar in the Vancouver, Washington community. Built in 1961, the building is distinguished from others with its 105-foot tall steeple, sweeping roofline shaped like the bottom of a boat, intricate stained glass skylight, and an iconic cross that can be seen for miles.

An early morning fire believed to be set by an arsonist destroyed the inside of the church, including historic stained glass windows and the sanctuary. The community gathered in silent distress, sharing emotions of fear, sadness, and horror as the fire department battled the three-alarm fire. The reconstruction of this church was going to be a community-based effort, a collaborative undertaking, and a sensitive process of healing from grief and loss.

When the project began, BELFOR found large amounts of asbestos in the sanctuary and basement ceilings, basement flooring
exterior soffits, and HVAC ducts, all of which had to be abated prior to any repairs. BELFOR teams were able to remove and save
precious items from the most heavily affected areas, including documents dating back to the 1800’s.