TACOMA, Wash. — A Tacoma pastor is looking for a place to hold his next service after a suspected arson gutted his church.
Members of the Our Savior Lutheran Church worshiped inside Mount Rainier Lutheran High School's gym Sunday.
Police think an arsonist broke in and set three different fires in the lobby and sanctuary last Friday.
“It’s not just fire damage, but smoke damage as well, so it's probably going to be months before we're back into our worship space,” said Pastor Brian Banke.
KIRO 7 asked Banke what his message to the arsonist is.
“There's kind of darkness going on in your life. We're sorry about that. We'll forgive you.” said Banke.
The 53-year-old building was badly damaged both by smoke and flames.
A piano was destroyed, but a cross was left untouched.
The congregation was able to recover Thanksgiving Day messages from the building.
Kathy Bates and her congregation at Life Center Rainer in Spanaway brought hot chocolate and doughnuts to the service, knowing all too well what their loss feels like.
“About 41 years ago this November, the main campus of Life Center had a fire. (It) totally burned," said Bates.
Banke says he doesn't know where services will be held next weekend, but they have been contacted by schools and other organizations.
Cox Media Group
