'We Will Rebuild': Norristown Rallies After Fire Destroys Local Church

NORRISTOWN, PA — Norristown officials, residents, and churchgoers have rallied together to help rebuild a local house of prayer and community pillar after a destructive blaze swept through it last week.

The Faith Tabernacle House of Prayer went up in a swirl of heavy flames on the night of Jan. 7., severely damaging the property. The historic structure, on 542 DeKalb Street, was the former home of the Norristown Public Library for years.

But the recovery had already begun even as firefighters were still extinguishing the final flames the next day.

"Our church has been a beacon of hope, love, and faith for many years, offering not only a place of worship but also community programs, support for those in need, and a space for spiritual growth," the church's Larry T. Owens wrote in a letter to the community. "Now, more than ever, we need your help to rebuild and restore this sacred space."

A total of $4,268 has now been raised from 69 donors in a community GoFundMe for the church's repair.

The fundraiser has a $20,000 goal.

It's just the latest in a series of destructive blazes that have damaged or destroyed significant community and cultural institutions in Norristown and across Montgomery County. A Thanksgiving eve fire left dozens without a home, and arson destroyed the historic bandshell last fall. Other major incidents of the past year include the destruction of a series of homes in Royersford and a senior center in Montgomery Township.

A portion of DeKalb Street will remain shut down through the end of January as the investigation into the church fire continues. The closure impacts the right lane of DeKalb between Airy and Marshall streets.

See previous coverage:

• Portion Of DeKalb St. To Shut Down For The Month After Norristown Fire
• Church Severely Damaged In Major Norristown Fire