Over 2 years after fire, groundbreaking is held for new Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago
CHICAGO (CBS) -- More than two years ago, the historic Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in the Englewood neighborhood went up in flames.
The church was completely destroyed, and the congregation was forced to move.
But on Tuesday, the congregation that was displaced when its home burned down began the process of resurrecting a new church from the ashes of the old.
"It is to the glory of God that we stood here two years ago-plus and saw the facility on this site engulfed in flames—flames that purified this spot," said Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Gerald Dew.
Loss turned to hope in Englewood for Pastor Dew and his congregation.
"We are not confused that what occurred here, and why we are here, was tapped into and tied into the eternal will of God—who knows what's best for us," Pastor Dew said.
The accidental fire broke out on Good Friday—April 15, 2022. It was started by a propane torch used during roof work. It burned for four days.
Following the fire, what was left of the worship center—which had dated back to the 1880s—had to be torn down. Stephanie Dukes had attended services at that worship center for 54 years.
"I could just cry today, because I grew up here," Dukes said. "I was a little kid when I came."
Dukes stood in the empty lot at Stewart and Englewood avenues Tuesday, trying to recall her memories of where the church one stood.
"We were standing saying: 'Where are we standing at? Are we at the entrance? Where are we at?' trying to imagine back then," said Dukes. "But you know what? It doesn't even matter, because we're going to be standing in a new place."
On this Thanksgiving week, hope is renewed.
"God is still in the miracle business," said Robert Johnson, a church member for 12 years.
There were cheers as the official groundbreaking was held to rebuild the church. The new facility will house a gym, computer lab, and a wellness center—among many other amenities.
It is a new start that members like Annette Black are looking forward to.
"When I heard it had burnt, it just hurt my heart—but now that it's coming back, I'm so happy," Black said. "I have joined the nurses' board. I'm doing more with the church. So I can't wait for it to come back and I can do more with it."
Pastor Dew said the grand opening of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church is expected in about a year. The cost to rebuild is $16 million.
Pastor Dew said most of the rebuilding is paid for through insurance and donations.
