Sunset over the Chapel from the
water's edge. |
Stores to the left and to the
right of the Chapel |
This picture shows black
smoke followed
by a red ball of flame shooting out the back of the basement of the
corner
T-shirt shop. (approx. 2:30 a.m.) This shows the haze of the
fire,
a fire that was slowly moving towards the Chapel. (approx. 3:30 a.m.)
The
"lights" to the right are from the reflectors on firemen's suits and
helmets. Here the flames flare up
around 5:30
a.m. as the roof of the several stores caves in momentarily engulfing
the
Chapel. |
|
Here is the back of
the Chapel
and burning boardwalk shops. (approx. 6:30 a.m.) The side of the destroyed
building
rests against the Chapel. (approx. 3:00 p.m.) The burned out stores against the backdrop of the Chapel (app 4:00 p.m.) |
|
It was a soot encased
environment
during most of the fire. The back of the Chapel had
a foot
and a half of filthy water causing the recently cleaned up storage and
parking area to be covered with a layer sooty silt. A forlorn picture out of the front of the Chapel the day after the fire. (Note the "Great White" roller coaster in the distance.) Extensive water and smoke damage will keep the Chapel closed for the remainder of the 2000 season. During the winter, repairs will be made in time for Memorial Day 2001. |
We hope to add more pictures as they are available (see below at the end of this page)
We hope to have a couple of brief services on the Boardwalk in front of the Chapel during the Labor Day weekend.
Thank you for your prayers and encouraging words. It has been an emotionally draining and humbling experience. But the opportunity to give glory to God, to acknowledge his sovereignty and to highlight His providential care in numerous TV, radio, and newspaper interviews, has provided an unending stream of blessings.
Thanks! John and Gail
As far as I know, there was only smoke and water damage to the chapel and don't think it was extensive. The chapel was open when they showed it on the news. They even talked to Jon Stevenson. The siding on the chapel was not even melted at all. God was truly looking out for it. The building next to it was completely destroyed. I think it would take a lot for Jon to close the chapel. Let's just praise God that He protected that vital ministry.
Debbie
Hi Jon,
We have been thanking God that the chapel was spared since we heard about the fire. We want to make ourselves available to you this weekend if you feel we can help with anything like repairs or whatever needs you may have. Please contact us. We are at your disposal. And may God continue to bless your ministry on the boardwalk.
Mike and Denise
So I was watching the news last night, and it seemed that every channel I turned to had a picture of your face talking about the providence of God. I was pleased to hear that the Chapel survived the fire with almost no damage except for water and smoke and that no one in the chapel was injured. It was truly God that was at work that evening. And who knows maybe it was divine judgment for all the noise those stores made while you were conducting services :-)
Just wanted to drop a note and say how happy I was that it all worked out and that the providence of God was broadcast on every major Philadelphia station as well as NJN.
Kevin
Wildwood Fire Controlled
By KYW's David Madden
Firefighters in Wildwood have controlled a blaze that's gutted at least three businesses on the boardwalk.
The fire, near Baker Avenue, broke out around 1:30 Tuesday morning. It destroyed two T-shirt shops and a dollar store. A three-foot-wide alley saved the famous Boardwalk Chapel.
No injuries are reported. There's no indication of a cause, yet.
The Associated Press article quoted Jon as
follows:
"At 3 a.m., we started
praying for God's intervention," said Elder Jon Stevenson, director of
the Presbyterian chapel.
"God uses many ways to
carry out his purpose. This morning, it was the firemen he chose to
use."
The chapel sustained some
smoke damage, and its white vinyl siding was singed but was otherwise
unscathed.
Also untouched was the construction site of a $70 million convention
center
being built on the beach, about 50 yards from the fire.
Luke
Looking out the second floor bedroom window to the fire scene... That's close... | |
|
Firemen, get out of the rain to take a lunch time break in the Chapel they help to save. |
As many as six TV crews from Philadelphia, NJ, and New York brought their cameras to Wildwood. | |
John (center) owner of Angelo's Pizza stands with a couple of the Faith Church young people he awakened at the beginning of the fire. | |
Boardwalk Chapel staff, Faith Church youth, and their pastor stand amazed at God's loving providence. | |