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Douglas churches share sanctuary after fires destroyed two historic buildings

DOUGLAS, Arizona (KGUN) — It’s been a month since two historic churches in Douglas were destroyed in two fires. Today, members of the First Presbyterian Church and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church worship at Grace United Methodist Church.

“We’re playing music kaiseki,” said Pastor Michelle Kelly of Grace United Methodist Church.

On Sundays, each congregation holds a one-hour service in the sanctuary. Kelly said she did the right thing by offering to share the space while the fire was still burning.

“It’s the right thing to do. Simply put, it’s the right thing to do,” Kelly said. “We know each other and we are friends. It wasn’t weird and it wasn’t something we felt comfortable with.”

Jackie Fagan, a member of St. Stephen’s Congregation, said she was grateful that the Methodist Church gave them space so they could worship in their town.

“I think the opportunity the Methodist Church has given us to stay here has been wonderful. It’s so much better to be here in our hometown,” Fagan said.

St Stephen’s Church has continued to hold services for the second week after the fire broke out.

Kelly said it was Douglas’ job to stick together and support each other.

“Douglas is a community,” says Kelly. “The understanding is that they are neighbors. And you may not go to the same church as them either. You may not live next door to them, but they are our neighbors.”

Plans for the destroyed building are still up in the air. Fagan said debris needs to be cleared from the site of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, but the parish hall was not damaged by the fire and is expected to be ready for use.

Kelly said the other two congregations could use the space as long as they needed it.

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Alexis Lamanjour I’m a reporter for KGUN 9 in Cochise County. Her journalism career began at the Herald/Review in her hometown of Sierra Vista.Share your story ideas with Alexis by email alexis.ramanjulu@kgun9.com or by connecting Facebook.

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