PC(USA) - Presbyterian Disaster Assistance - WVMAW volunteers at Orgas Presbyterian Church

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance - Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)


A Living Sanctuary Summer, 2006

In the summer of 2006, First Presbyterian Church of Lexington, NC sent a mission work team to the West Virginia Ministry of Advocacy and Workcamps (WVMAW). This team of 25 members began a project at the Orgas Presbyterian Church that ultimately stretched	More work than expected. Photo: Jim & Katrine Anderson, PDA National Response Team members.
throughout the summer and fall, and involved seven other work teams. What began from a request of “could you help out with just a few things”, developed into the summer-long project that almost completely reconstructed a small church, and brought help to a struggling congregation.

Two individuals from the church had begun to tear out the front of the sanctuary and adjacent education rooms. As work evolved, it became obvious that their labors would last far into the year, if not beyond. With each item to repair, more work was uncovered. Extensive water damage and termite infestation had rotted walls, floors and ceilings. Under damaged floors, rotted floor joists and foundation emerged. It became a daunting picture for two individuals!

Orgas Presbyterian Church, where seven teams helped to make a difference. Photo: Jim & Katrine Anderson, PDA National Response Team members.		Now, a few months later a brighter picture has emerged. New white sheetrock walls brightened the sanctuary. Insulation installed throughout all rooms promised a warmer winter, lower heating bills and better Sunday acoustics in the sanctuary. And the hanging of swag curtains on all windows added a personal touch to every room.

All that remains to be done is the laying of laminate flooring in the sanctuary and one education room; work which is scheduled to be accomplished soon by a final mission team. What a beautiful experience it was to watch a church be resurrected by multiple “mission hands.” And to know that Sunday by Sunday the congregation has been able to observe and marvel at the weekly progress.


This report on the work provided by volunteers through WVMAW was provided by Jim and Katrine Anderson, members of the PDA National Response Team who also volunteer with WVMAW.

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