The burned and mangled bell that fell from the steeple of the Somers Congregational Church in the fire Sunday lies on the ground in pieces. Two women crouched over it with a tape measure, hoping to recast the bell so it can ring in a rebuilt church some day.
"Checks are coming in, people are dropping off donations," said Rev. Dr. Barry Cass, the pastor. "I had an email from one of the kids that was in the first confirmation class I had here, 1989. He's living in London and he just wanted to touch base and let us know that he's thinking of us."
The pastor's eyes swelled with tears, maybe of exhaustion, maybe of loss. The congregation will meet Sunday at 10 a.m. for a worship service in the town hall auditorium.
Investigators checked the ashes of the meetinghouse again Friday morning, still unable to pinpoint the cause of the fire. One member of the church said she didn't know what would be worse, knowing someone set the building on fire or knowing someone locked up the building without making sure everything was safe.
Meanwhile, repairs to the house next to the church have almost been completed and the single mother who lives there with her children should be able to move back in early next week, said Cass.
The Italian Villa in Somers will host a fundraiser on Jan. 17, a Tuesday. Usually the restaurant would be closed Tuesday, but the owner, a member of the church, wants to turn everything over to help the rebuilding effort.
