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St. David’s Episcopal Church
3916 SW 17th St.
Topeka, KS 66604

November 17, 2006 (One Week Later)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus:

With great sadness we write to inform you of the report of our Insurance Adjustor. After many days of investigation and reports from engineers and experts in the field, it has been determined that the nave, sanctuary, chapel and sacristy of our beloved building must be torn down. One week ago the fire caused so much damage to the structural integrity of the building especially the supporting walls and beams that it is not possible to rebuild.

This news is as painful for us to tell you as it must be for you to hear. The following information is presented to answer questions that we felt you may wish answered:

• The pews have been damaged by fire, smoke, heat and soot beyond ability for repair.
• All stained glass windows are beyond recovery and we would caution anyone near the building that, due to the toxic chemicals released in the fire, small pieces of stained glass should not be picked-up as mementos.
• The West end of the building (from the East office wall to the parking lot) can be rebuilt.
• The Christus Rex, Stations of the Cross, Artwork, and everything in the Sacristy have or will be removed from the building and we are doing everything possible to preserve them.
• We expect that the demolition of the building (East side) will take place in the next 60-90 days.
• Our insurance policy is extremely good and we are blessed with an outstanding insurance company. The Rector is in the process of appointing a Construction Committee which will oversee the work that is being done, and will be done in the months ahead.
• The Diocese of Kansas, local churches, and literally hundreds of people around the world have written cards and e-mails and sent checks in support of our efforts. We have also received significant in-kind donations from many local businesses.
• Bishop Wolfe has established a “St. David’s Resurrection Fund” and is receiving donations from individuals and congregations. The response has been nothing short of amazing.

The Rector Wardens and Vestry are totally committed to keeping you informed every step along our way to recover, rebuild, and renew. Our worship time schedule WILL NOT CHANGE, however the location might at least until we get established. Please check the St. David’s website on a regular basis, as we will be updating information on the site as often as necessary. www.stdavidschurch.com

A phone calling tree has also been initiated so that every household will be called.

When our computer systems are up and running again, we shall also engage our e-mail program to keep you informed with the “cybermessenger.” If you are not receiving it, please call the office and give us your e-mail address.

Finally, we believe it is very important to recognize that at this juncture we are not making critical decisions we are reaction to what the fire has done. We ask you to pray for our clergy, for the leadership of our church and for those who will help us in the days ahead. May God grant us the wisdom to listen and follow along the right path.

Yours faithfully in Christ,

Margaret A. Telthorst, Senior Warden
Russ Branden, Junior Warden
The Reverend Donald F. Davidson, D.Min., Rector