'It did not destroy our faith': Durham church members show resilience after fire ravages church

A destructive weekend fire that ravaged Greater Waltown United Holy Church didn’t stop its members from serving the community on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, church members and the Interfaith Food Shuttle provided food as part of a food panty.

"My heart is fluttering," Pastor Timothy Moore said. "We have been feeding the community for a number of years."

The food pantry is held each week and it provides food for more than 900 people each month. The food includes fruit like oranges and cabbages.

“It makes me feel great,” said Sandy Botelho, who was picking up food.

Botelho said she didn't know about the fire at the church until Wednesday.

"We are amazed they are still out here doing this," Botelho said.

On Saturday, a fire ripped through the church at 706 Belvin Ave. It collapsed the roof, destroyed the church’s sanctuary and left members without a place to worship.

“Here is what the fire did,” Moore said. “The fire destroyed this building, but it did not destroy our faith.

“Our faith has been inflamed.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The church has started a GoFundMe account to help with repairs. The goal is to raise $100,000.