Severe Weather Hits Elgin, Illinois

Cleanup crews and church members arrived overnight Friday to find First United Methodist Church of Elgin surrounded by debris, including wood, glass, stone, and fallen trees.

By daylight, the damage was even more shocking—parishioners realized a microburst had struck the century-old church, ripping a massive hole in its roof.

What We Know

“You know, you’re really kind of speechless when you walk up on something like this,” the pastor of the church said.

Fierce overnight winds caused significant damage to the historic building. Aerial footage showed the extent of the destruction.

The church, which has about 100 members, also serves as an overnight winter shelter for nearly 80 unhoused individuals.

“It was actually some of our guys from the homeless shelter. They noticed water rushing in,” said member Jennifer Haley.

Traffic was diverted along Center Street at Highland Avenue throughout the day on Saturday as roofing crews worked to secure the property.

The church, located in Elgin’s historic district, is now considered an active disaster zone.

Half of its copper-clad roof was torn off, ceilings and walls collapsed, and there was significant water damage inside. The congregation, which is more than 180 years old, remains hopeful about rebuilding.

What’s Next

Fire officials said there was no widespread damage in Elgin, though they received about 30 reports of downed power lines and tree limbs. No injuries were reported.

A virtual church service will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday, followed by an outdoor prayer service at noon.

Supporting the Community

The First United Methodist Church of Elgin is not just a place of worship, but also a vital part of the community. The church’s homeless shelter provides a safe haven for those in need, and the congregation is committed to continuing this important work despite the damage to their building.

The community is coming together to support the church and its members, with many offering their time, resources, and expertise to help with the rebuilding efforts.

The Road to Recovery

The road to recovery will be long and challenging, but the congregation of the First United Methodist Church of Elgin is determined to rebuild and restore their beloved church.

The church’s historic significance and importance to the community make it a priority for preservation and restoration.

As the community comes together to support the church, it is clear that the spirit of the congregation and the people of Elgin will not be defeated by this disaster.

Elgin’s Resilience

The city of Elgin has faced many challenges in the past, but it has always come out stronger and more resilient.

The people of Elgin are known for their kindness, generosity, and community spirit, and these qualities will be essential in the aftermath of this disaster.

As the city begins the process of rebuilding and recovery, it is clear that the people of Elgin will come together to support each other and rebuild their community.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the severe weather that hit Elgin, Illinois, has caused significant damage to the First United Methodist Church of Elgin, but it has not broken the spirit of the congregation or the community.

The road to recovery will be long, but with the support of the community and the determination of the congregation, the church will be rebuilt and restored to its former glory.

The people of Elgin will come out of this disaster stronger and more resilient than ever, and the city will continue to thrive and grow.

FAQs

Q: What happened to the First United Methodist Church of Elgin?

A: The church was damaged by a microburst that ripped a massive hole in its roof, causing significant damage to the historic building.

Q: Is the church still standing?

A: Yes, the church is still standing, but it has been deemed an active disaster zone due to the extent of the damage.

Q: Were there any injuries reported?

A: No, there were no injuries reported as a result of the damage to the church.

Q: What is being done to support the community?

A: The community is coming together to support the church and its members, with many offering their time, resources, and expertise to help with the rebuilding efforts.

Q: Will the church be rebuilt?

A: Yes, the congregation is determined to rebuild and restore their beloved church.