Fire at Buckingham

by Randy Moody

Buckingham Presbyterian Church in Fort Myers burned last Friday night, August 28, and the building is a total loss. Three different fire districts (6 units) responded to the fire as the local district called for additional units to assist. It has been determined that the fire was started by a bolt of lightning. Unfortunately, Interim Pastor Tim Stewart was out of state on a planned trip while all this was happening, but he remained in contact with congregants and Stated Clerk Randy Moody during the weekend.

Members of the congregation gathered on Sunday morning, August 30, at 10:00 am as scheduled, but rather than entering the sanctuary through the double wooden doors, to be seated facing the chancel, people gathered under the shade trees in chairs to pray, remember, sing and heal. Randy Moody led the service that focused on the people and the ministry that is the church, remembering that the building is the base from which ministry is planned and launched. The Word is preached and the Sacraments administered in the building so they can be lived in the community away from the building.

The congregants shared memories of their experiences in the building but agreed that their commitment is to serving the Lord as a church family rather than to a building and promised to move forward together continuing their ministry to the community.