Church Fire
11/11/2024
Congregation members of the Seattle Laestadian Lutheran Church would like to thank the residents of the Monroe/Snohomish community for their thoughts, prayers, and support regarding the disaster we faced with the burning of our church facility on August 25, 2023.
At the onset of the developing disaster, the fire department and the members of their firefighting team were prompt and amazing – so dedicated in helping with the shocking event that occurred that Thursday night/Friday morning of August. The immediate emergency help by fire department employees was nothing short of outstanding. After the fire, Snohomish County personnel further assisted us in working through addition difficulties associated with the loss of a building.
Congregation members of the Seattle Laestadian Lutheran Church would like to thank the residents of the Monroe/Snohomish community for their thoughts, prayers, and support regarding the disaster we faced with the burning of our church facility on August 25, 2023.
At the onset of the developing disaster, the fire department and the members of their firefighting team were prompt and amazing – so dedicated in helping with the shocking event that occurred that Thursday night/Friday morning of August. The immediate emergency help by fire department employees was nothing short of outstanding. After the fire, Snohomish County personnel further assisted us in working through addition difficulties associated with the loss of a building.
- Neighbors jointly sent a comforting note reflecting the care and compassion of true neighbors.
- In addition, we extend our deep appreciation to Monroe School District for the opportunity to utilize rental facilities in the interim, which allows us to continue gathering as a group. Snohomish School District has also been willing to assist.
- We thank Snohomish County and Federal ATF agents for their help and expertise in investigating and ultimately identifying the cause of the fire. We are sad over the fact that it was arson, and that there exist misguided individuals in our free society that commit such heinous acts. We are grateful that a suspect has been arrested, which lends hope that other houses of worship and institutions in our nation can yet freely gather.
- The congregation initially considered options to rebuild in the original location. However, based on growing needs to serve children, youth, and adults we researched the possibility of purchasing property on which we could build a larger facility. Ultimately, we determined that the best approach would be to construct a new gathering place on suitable acreage in the immediate Snohomish/Monroe area. We found suitable property and have begun to work closely with administration officials in the Snohomish County government and have initiated plans to build the new church facility.
- The cost of building a new church will be significant and require significant fund-raising efforts. We begin with the prayer that God will bless this endeavor. We humbly ask for contributions towards this project: make a donation
- Again, we express thanks to our community members for the support, kindness and compassion shown in assisting us through the rebuilding process.
