Police work to solve arson case as Peace United Church works to rebuild

(ABC 6 News) – As police work to find out who lit the Peace United Church on fire, we are learning more about the damage caused.

Damage is estimated to be between $2.5 million and $3 million after a fire the day after Easter.

Next week, demo work will begin and the entire north half of the building will be gutted. Other parts of the building that need replacing include the ceilings and flooring. It’s not just the sanctuary impacted, other organizations that used the building, including a childcare center lost everything.

"Our hope is never to lose a Sunday here. It’s so important to be at home," said Pastor Paul Bauch. "Our ministries will continue to grow and flourish and be strong and bold. We’re not going to let something like this get us down by any means."

The sanctuary is clean and safe enough to worship in, and all offices are accessible. Nobody was hurt and nobody was in the building during the fire.

This is an open investigation. Anyone with information related to the arson is asked to contact Rochester police or Crime Stoppers.