Cleanup crews and church members arrived to find First United Methodist Church of Elgin, Illinois damaged by the severe storm over the weekend, surrounded by fallen trees, shattered glass, and splintered wood. Overnight storms had torn through the area, with fierce winds ripping a massive hole in the roof of the century-old church.
“You’re really kind of speechless when you walk up on something like this,” the church’s pastor said, surveying the destruction.
Aerial footage revealed the extent of the devastation—half of the church’s copper-clad roof was torn off, ceilings and walls had collapsed, and water poured into the sanctuary.
The church, which has about 100 members, also serves as an overnight winter shelter for nearly 80 unhoused individuals. It was some of those very shelter residents who first noticed the flooding.
“It was actually some of our guys from the homeless shelter. They noticed water rushing in,” said church member Jennifer Haley.
Despite the damaged building, the congregation—part of Elgin’s community for over 180 years—remains determined to rebuild.
Fire officials reported no widespread destruction in Elgin but confirmed at least 30 reports of downed power lines and tree limbs. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Traffic was rerouted near Center Street and Highland Avenue as roofing crews worked to secure the property. Officials have declared the site an active disaster zone.
In the wake of the devastation, the church will hold a virtual service at 10 a.m. Sunday, followed by an outdoor prayer service at noon, as members gather to support one another and plan for the future.
