Congregation of fire-damaged church will hold healing service

Jan. 14--One week after a devastating fire heavily damaged Niemonds Independent Church in Richfield, Juniata County, the 250 congregants will convene Sunday afternoon for a healing service.

"We don't know yet if it is a total loss," Pastor Steven Osenga said of the 11-year-old church located off Route 35 just beyond the Snyder County border.

Volunteers from 11 fire companies responded to the 1:50 a.m. blaze. A fire marshal from the state police at Lewistown was not available for comment Friday.

Osenga said an insurance company investigator was scheduled to be at the scene Friday to try and determine the origin and source of the fire, which he said likely started in the kitchen area. On Monday, Osenga said, he hopes to learn whether anything is salvageable in the building and sanctuary that was rebuilt 12 years ago and has provided two services each Sunday for years.

A healing service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday at Bunkertown Church of the Brethren in McAlisterville with Pastor Wes Stahl.

Church council members are trying to find a temporary location to provide weekly services while they determine whether the damaged church can be repaired.

"So many people have offered us help," Osenga said.

In the meantime, a temporary church office has been set up at the Guardian Angel Bookstore in Richfield.

Bookstore owner Stephanie Freyermuth knows several people who attend Niemonds Independent Church and was quick to open her doors when she heard they were in need.

"I offered them my conference room. They can use it as long as they need," she said.

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