Good news from St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Houma, LA, the church which was destroyed by fire:
Dear People of St. Matthew's:
When the Vestry and School Board met Wednesday night I was so relieved and thrilled to learn that our precious chalices and patens were protected by the fire safe. The vestry had decided several months ago to purchase that safe to house the vessels. Martha Lynn Lewis led that effort, and I am so glad she did! The chalices are in perfect condition, although they'll need to be cleaned as there's a strong odor of smoke. For now, they are in safe keeping in a vault at South Louisiana Bank.
....
See you in Church,
Fr. Craig (Dalferes)
Mixed news on St. Matthew's from John deSantis at the Daily Comet:
Like a solitary flower in bloom on a battlefield, the mural of Jesus Christ, flanked by animals and smiling children, stands untouched amidst the charred remains of St. Matthews Episcopal Church.
The Nov. 11 blaze destroyed the sanctuary and damaged part of the church school.
At the eastern wall of the structure, the vivid colors of Houma artist Hans Geist’s 2009 mural stand in cheery contrast to the soot-stained rubble at Barrow and Belanger streets. Its colors are fresh as they were the day life was breathed into it.
The mural, painted in 2009 by Geist with the help of children from the school, depicts Jesus with children and animals, below words from Matthew 19:14, “Let the little children come to me.” There has been no official determination made on whether the wall can be saved, although presumptions at St. Matthew’s are that it will have to go due to stability and safety issues.
Photo by Kim Smith/Correspondent/Daily CometHans Geist, 34, is a local artist who, with the help of students from St. Matthew’s Episcopal School, painted the mural on the side of the school.
I am not alone in my hope that a way may be found to save the mural. That the mural survived unblemished could well be a symbol of hope and a reminder for the people of St. Matthew's Parish that God cares for all of the children, even God's grown-up children.
Almighty God, we give thanks for the gift to the parishioners of St. Matthew's of many years of fellowship and worship in their beautiful church building. We ask you to give your people comfort, consolation, and the peace that passes understanding as they grieve the loss of their building. May the people of St. Matthew's remain bound together in love and obedience to you, ever mindful that a church is the gathering of its people to give you praise, honor, and glory. Give them strength and courage to continue in worship and fellowship, as they move forward to rebuild their building. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
