New Ahsahka church rises from the ashes

The new North Fork Indian Presbyterian Church takes shape.

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Story Published: Apr 24, 2009 at 11:34 PM PDT

Story Updated: Apr 24, 2009 at 11:34 PM PDT

By Matt Loveless

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AHSAHKA, Idaho - Christmas Eve 2008 wasn't the celebratory day members of North Fork Indian Presbyterian Church expected.

That's when fire quickly cut through the century-old building in Ahsahka, leaving a congregation without a place to worship.

But this week, a new building is starting to take shape. Ordained Elder Corbett Wheeler said support started coming in right away, from pews, to bibles, to a new organ, and volunteers, along with Habitat for Humanity crews, spent the week framing what will be the new and improved facility for the church's patrons.

"We've had plenty of help, and it seems like in each stage, we have had people to fit that job description," said Wheeler.

The roofing stage is at a halt for now. Wheeler said too many of their volunteers are over the age of 60, and not quite fit to work on a roof. Volunteer Clark Burnham said the plan is to enlist the Orofino prison's "red shirts" to finish the roof on the building, which Wheeler said will come with some upgrades.

"The old church didn't have heat or other things," said Wheeler. "So, we're able to come in here before we get the heater and air conditioner. This will be a very modern church. It will look quite similar, but it will be modern and more comfortable."

Wheeler said they plan to hold services again this summer.

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