For a Canton church, 2012 involved a devastating fire, but
the year ended with the promise of renewed hope.

River Church, a congregation that has been an integral part of the Canton/Sixes Road community for six years, started off in 2012 meeting in the Vince Merolla Enterprises building on Sixes Road. But on March 5, a fire destroyed the building and everything in it.

The church lost everything—computers, sound equipment,
supplies. All they remained was a congregation of people who wondered, “What’s next?”

That’s when another church stepped in. The congregation of Sixes Presbyterian offered the now homeless congregation a new place to meet—in their three year-old gymnasium. River Church was overwhelmed with the
generosity of Sixes Presbyterian.

River Church used this interim time to rebuild. Slowly, they
began to replace some of the items that were destroyed in the March blaze. And in that time, something else began to be restored—hope.  Hope for the future. Hope for a “next.”

That next came in the form of an unexpected opportunity.
Sixes Presbyterian was planning to close its doors, and they wanted River Church to have first opportunity to purchase the property.

River Church Lead Pastor, Scott Beasley, was overwhelmed.  “One of the songs we sang on the last Sunday before the fire talks about God giving beauty for ashes.”   

The congregation prayed. They gave money and participated in fundraisers until the congregation had enough funds collected for a down payment on the property. And on November 12, the papers were signed. River Church now has a permanent home.

Pastor Beasley has a special message for anyone facing
trials or adversities in life.  “No matter how dark the path might look, always remember God has a plan.  If we will trust Him, God will bring something good out of our difficulties and struggles.”  

River Church has a grand opening celebration planned January 27^th.  The public is cordially invited.