fire

NEWS OF THE FIRE

On July 9, 1997, an arsonist(s) attacked our building between 9:30 and 9:45 p.m. The following is poem was written to give a view of what happened on that day.
A NON-TYPICAL WEDNESDAY by Marjorie Buchanan (A free style poem about First Christian Church, Pawnee, 7-10-97)

First Rights donated to

First Christian Church, Pawnee

Second Rights donated to

The Oklahoma Christian

After the church office had its usual calls, visits and work AND

After the quilting group had done its usual fine needlework AND

After the children's support group had its usual meeting AND

After the choir had met and practiced anthems, as usual, AND

After the official Church Board had met and planned, as usual, AND

After city workers had struggled late to get the water back on,

The church building was left alone and vandals set it on fire.

After the engine came and firemen labored fighting the fire AND
After the flames burned the foyer carpets and upholstery AND
After the smoke billowed within and without and left bad odor AND
After the heat melted venetian blinds and chandeliers AND
After the Centennial Quilt and the organ pipes cover burned AND
After the explosions ruined many of the stained glass windows AND
After the firemen toiled and put out the fire AND
After the tape CRIME SCENE DO NOT CROSS was around the church AND
After the fire marshal came and checked for probable causes AND
After the insurance man came and assessed the damage,
STILL THE CHURCH FLOURISHING,
WALKING AROUND ON MANY PAIRS OF FEET.

Here Are Some Pictures

Picture taken just after the fire was put out

Picture taken the next morning

View of the Sanctuary looking towards chancel

View of the Sanctuary looking at rear of church

If you have comments or suggestions, email me at Fcc.pawnee@mailcity.com

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