BOONVILLE, NY – The congregants of Abundant Life Church in Boonville, New York, remain hopeful after a fire destroyed the church’s building. The first service since the tragedy was held in the Adirondack High School Auditorium this past Sunday (Feb. 22).
Pastor Brandon Pitts, who was injured in the explosion last Tuesday (Feb. 17), addressed the congregation and Boonville community via an open letter posted on the church’s website last Friday (Feb. 20).
“First, I want to thank every single person who has prayed for me, for my family, and for our church,” the pastor shared. “I have been released from the hospital and will be recovering over the next 1-2 months. Your prayers have carried us. We feel them. We are grateful beyond words.”
Pastor Pitts also thanked the first responders, several of whom were also injured in the blast. “Many acted with extraordinary courage, and several are still in the hospital recovering. We are praying for their complete healing and for strength over their families. We stand with them fully.”
A propane fuel line that was damaged by heavy snowfall was determined to be the cause of last Tuesday’s explosion. According to Jack Keller, a spokesperson for State Police, the weight of snow on the roof caused the building to shift, which led to the line’s impairment. The building was destroyed in the explosion.
“Our building may be gone, but the Church is alive and well,” Pastor Pitts said in his message to Abundant Life Church congregants and the Boonville community at large. “While we have lost a building, we have not lost our mission,” the clergyman declared.
“We have not lost our faith. We have not lost our hope. The Church is not made of walls – it is made of people. And we are still standing.”
Abundant Life Church will continue to meet in the Adirondack High School Auditorium for the foreseeable future. Service begins at 10a.m., and is open to everyone who wants to attend.