Congregation rallies around Allentown church after fire

The smell of smoke still lingered at the Hilltop United Methodist Church Friday afternoon, and it was clear even from the street that the top of the old, brick building was charred.

But spirits remained high as church leaders focused on how to move forward, and others in the community offered to help in any way they could.

The owner of the James J. Barry Funeral Home across the street offered her building for Sunday services. Workers at the Henry Kauffman Center opened their door to people who normally visit the senior center inside the church for lunch and other activities, said City Councilman Bruce Kraus.

It was a fitting way, some said, to support a church that is much a place for the community to gather as it is a place of worship.

It goes far beyond just being bricks and mortar, Mr. Kraus said.I dont remember a time when I didnt affiliate the Hilltop United Methodist Church with the neighborhood of Allentown.

This year, the church hosted gatherings for the National Night Out, an event aimed at improving the relationship between police and residents. Members of a local Allentown community development group hold meetings there as does the occasional political group, said the Rev. Sue Hutchins.

Councilman Kraus attended a meeting there on best practice for community leaders about a decade ago, when he was first researching whether to run for office.

This church has always had a heart for the community, Rev. Hutchins said.

For Barb Ehrlich, the church holds many memories. She was baptized there and married there. Her children and grandchild were baptized there. And, of course, it was the site of Sunday services.

Another woman stopped by Friday who had been baptized at the church but hadnt been back in a long time.

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Congregation rallies around Allentown church after fire