Lorain church plots future

Brian Wentzel, director of music at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, loads the salvaged pipes from the churchs pipe organ into a truck in September after the church was destroyed in an arson fire. CHRONICLE FILE

LORAIN A decision on the new First Evangelical Lutheran Church is expected by months end, according to the churchs pastor.

The Rev. Jimmy Madsen said Sunday that parishioners are deciding whether to build a new church or relocate to a former church building. If a new church is built, a decision hasnt been made on whether it will be at the site of the old church at 603 Washington Ave.

Weve been looking at all kinds of options, said Madsen, adding that the new location would probably be in Lorain.

The church, built in 1924 at the corner of West Sixth Street, burned in an arson fire Aug. 28. No arrests have been made, but the fire, connected to a church basement burglary, remains under investigation.

Madsen said parishioners by an 86-1 vote Sunday approved a vision statement for the new church. The statement said the new church will be built, on the heritage of the past, appeal to the current congregation, is appropriate to the size of our worshipping community and has the flexibility to serve the needs of future generations.

Among the goals for the new location: good acoustics for music the church was known for its acclaimed pipe organ recitals modern, environmentally friendly technology without detracting from sacredness and a full-service kitchen. Madsen said insurance is expected to cover most of the more than $2 million in damages, including replacing a $1 million pipe organ.

Madsen said its premature to say when construction will begin if a new church is built. While a decision is being made, church services are being held at Johnnie Wilson Middle School, 2700 Washington Ave.

Input on the decision is coming from members of the New Building Committee and the Working Space Working Group, which toured newly built or newly renovated churches in Akron, Canton and Solon on Jan. 31.

Group member Barbara Macgregor, a parishioner for 70 years, said the group will tour churches in Columbus on Saturday. Macgregor said she supports the statement and hopes the new location will have more space than the old one. Macgregor said she is unsure about whether to rebuild or relocate. She noted some nearby churches have closed due to declining numbers of parishioners

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Lorain church plots future