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The congregation of Mt. Vernon UMC in the Hampden neighborhood of Baltimore suffered an estimated $5.5 million in damage to its church building when lightning set off a 3-alarm blaze Aug. 2.

Church members, like Betty Callahan told the Baltimore Sun about "fire tongues licking the base of the steeple and then engulfing the 130-year-old bell tower and slate roof in flames."

As firefighters labored for more than four hours in the early morning to put out the blaze, the church's pastor, the Rev. Robin Johnson, gave thanks that no one was hurt in the fire. However, city officials have condemned the property.

"In the midst of darkness, we believe in hope, and hope is certainly here today," Johnson said as he gazed up at the charred steeple, shattered stained-glass windows and exposed roof beams.

One day after the fire, the congregation gathered at nearby Hampden UMC.

Present at the service was Bishop John R. Schol, who told the congregations that the 200,000 United Methodists of the Baltimore-Washington Conference were in prayer with, and for, them.

Standing by the bishop was his wife, Beverly Schol. The blaze brought back memories to the pair, who remembered standing outside on a cold December night after a fire had destroyed the first church building they served. "We grieve your loss and pledge to stand with you in your hour of need," the bishop said.

Also pledging their support and prayers were the Rev. C. Anthony Hunt of the Baltimore Metropolitan District and the Rev. Rod Miller, conference director of Connectional Ministries.

"Church buildings are sacred places where baptisms announced that we are all God's children, where youth are confirmed and profess Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior, where God blesses marriages and where the faithful are remembered at their funerals," the bishop said.

"The Mount Vernon building served God as the congregation served the community. Your building was a sacred home that brought healing and salvation to the congregation and the community," he said, reminding those present that they will be "more than conquerors."

"Nothing will separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord," the bishop concluded, "not even fire and destruction."

Bishop Schol is calling on all the churches of the Baltimore-Washington Conference to be in prayer for the Mt. Vernon congregation as they seek God's guidance for their future ministry.

Johnson has pledged that the 40-member church will not die.

Neighbors applaud this sentiment, claiming the congregation does important outreach in the community.

"The church is not a building," Johnson said. "The church is a community, and we will continue."