Memorable story of 2014: Church collapse in Cumru

CUMRU TWP., Pa. -

One of the most memorable stories of 2014 was a church collapse in Cumru Township.

The sanctuary of CrossWay Church on Chateau Drive collapsed around 11 a.m. on Sept. 25.

"Just boom. I did not know what had happened," said Dean Linsky, the church's senior pastor.

The ceiling buckled, causing irreparable damage. Crews then tore down the front-leaning wall. The pile of debris grew, but the staff's faith never altered.

"Wow! God really averted for us a catastrophe, but I think we look forward with a certain sense of hopefulness," said Linsky.

Now, nearly three months later, there is a concrete slab left. Crews cleared the pile of debris, winterized the building and started drawing up sketches of what a new sanctuary could look like.

In the meantime, the church has had to relocate to the Inn at Reading in Wyomissing for services, something pastors said has been an adjustment for the congregation and sometimes difficult for the children and volunteers.

"Our volunteers have been awesome. They have been helpful. They have been patient. They have been gracious, but they, too, are entering rooms and not always knowing where they are going to be, and that can make it difficult for them to serve well," said Jonathan Cosgrove, the church's youth pastor.

The pastors are now hoping to have the architectural drawings complete by the end of January, start construction and have a brand new sanctuary by the end of summer.

Read this article:
Memorable story of 2014: Church collapse in Cumru