It was just a building. Christians remain the heart of the church.

Not much was left once the fire was out. However, the next day, Sunday, June 10th, 2018, the members of the Eastside Church of Christ met together and worshipped and praised God at the Family Services Funeral Home chapel. By the following Sunday, we had begun to worship in the Annex, the cinderblock fellowship building across the alley from the rubble. We were able to set up a temporary office using donated furniture and equipment and some quick purchases. We had communion trays--all of the "samples" that Midland Mardell's had on the shelf. They didn't match and didn't stack right, but they served the purpose. We sang from the youth songbooks that were stored in the Annex, and therefore survived. We built each other up and reminded each other that things on this earth are not that important. We were insured, and had begun to work with the insurance company.

It took months to get the lot cleared. The entire site was declared "asbestos contaminated," and so not only did the rubble have to be cleared, but the asbestos had to be dealt with according to safety guidelines. The alley entrances to the Annex were unsafe so we were unable to hold classes for several months. Eventually we were able to resume use, and held Bible classes by pulling the divider curtains. Preschool met in the kitchen, 1-5 grade in the room next to it. Junior High and High School got the third room and Adults the fourth. The Schertz church of Christ donated some old songbooks they were no longer using. A portable sound system was purchased for the annex. The West Texas Food Bank worked with us to continue our mission to "feed the hungry." A committee was formed to help plan a replacement building. Contractors were consulted.

More Photos of Fire and Aftermath