Redeemer vowed to be rebuilt

From the Downbeach Current:

http://www.shorenewstoday.com/snt/news/index.php/downbeach-/longport-margate-ventnor-general-news/28588-redeemer-vowed-to-be-rebuilt.html

Redeemer vowed to be rebuilt

Wednesday, August 15, 2012 05:04 pm
Suzanne Marino

LONGPORT – The June 30 derecho wreaked havoc everywhere but one very painful scar left behind is the empty lot at 20th and Atlantic avenues where the HistoricChurch of the Redeemer stood since 1908. A lightening strike is believed to be the culprit that helped destroy the wooden mission style church.

By the Monday following the fire it was determined that what had not been consumed by the flames was structurally unsound and in jeopardy of collapse and had to be demolished.  Tom Subranni of the Church of the Redeemer Council said they would rebuild on the same location.
The faithful who worship each Sunday from Fathers Day until Labor Day at the historic church have been pushed by Mother Nature but they have not bent. According to Subranni, services have continued every Sunday under a tent erected on the lawn of the rectory on 20th Avenue.
“The church was fully insured and we are now working on the rebuilding process, such as applying for site plan approval, meeting with our architect, talking with the insurance folks and other similar tasks,” said Subranni Sunday, Aug. 12.
They have an ambitious plan in mind and hope to have the new church dedicated before the end of the 2013 season, which would end the Sunday of Labor Day weekend.
The stained glass windows of The Church of the Redeemer were a big part of charm and one of its most cherished assets. Subranni said they did have insurance on the windows. “The Willet-Hauser Architectural Stained Glass Co. found the original working drawings and will be engaged to recreate them in the same way as they were created many, many years ago. Their collection of antique stained glass will be used in the creation of the new windows,” said Subranni.
Those windows were commissioned by one time Longport Mayor Edwin Lavino in the 1930s.
While the Church of the Redeemer is non-denominational it falls under the Episcopal Diocese of Trenton and Subranni said, “The Bishop and the Diocese fully support the plans to bring the Church of the Redeemer back to life and a place of peace and worship.”
Subranni added, “We would like folks to know that their beloved Church of the Redeemer will be rebuilt in the same style as before. Many people stopped to say how much they missed the church but had never stepped foot in it. When the church is rebuilt we would like these many kind folks to visit us often. The Guild Hall will be designed and available for interdenominational use and for other community activities. This will be a significant benefit to the residents of Longport and surrounding communities.”