MONROE COUNTY (WVLT) – An East Tennessee congregation returned home on Sunday, several months after flames nearly destroyed its entire place of worship.

The fire erupted at First United Methodist Church in Madisonville the second week of December 2007. The painful experience of losing a spiritual home is now just a memory for members like Geraldine Patterson, who was up early Sunday morning to help pass out bulletins.

"I'm real excited,” she said. “I made a special point to be here and also to be the greeter."

Patterson was one of the many welcoming First United Methodists members back home.

"I'm so excited about being back over here, we’re in church now,” said Gloria Witt, who has attended for the last half century.

Flames gutted the First United Methodist just weeks before Christmas, burning the nearly 100 year old foundation of faith down to the ground.

"I just went out front there, stood and cried just like everyone else,” Witt said. “We were devastated."

On Sunday, the congregation worshiped for the first time in the only building that barely survived, the Fellowship Hall.

"Yes our building burned, but the church still stands,” said Pastor Cotton

Besides offering Sunday service, the gathering also featured a re-dedication ceremony to prove the congregation's faith couldn’t be extinguished with the flames.

"I think it makes you realize how important your faith is," said Patterson.

The members of First United Methodist are back, but there's still more building to do. The fire completely destroyed the sanctuary.

"Sometimes you just need something to give you life,” said Rev. Braxton Cotton. “You have to work toward something."

The congregations collective spirit has been forged by fire, bringing them closer together than ever.

"Everyone's been working so hard and I can't believe all that's going on," said Witt

Damage from the fire is estimated at around $2 million. Reverend Cotton says the sanctuary could be completely re-built by 2010.

If you'd like to donate to FUMC Madisonville, you can write to the address or click on the link below.

MAIL TO:
First United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 157
143 College Street
Madisonville, TN 37354

OR CALL THE OFFICE:
(423) 442-2471 Office