SHANNON KELLY/Editor in Chief &
CHRIS SEGAL/Director of Strategic Planning
SHANNON URTNOWSKI
A&E Editor
News of the Malibu fire jostled many out of their beds early Sunday morning, the majority not knowing whether they or their possessions would be safe. But just around 6:30 a.m., as word spread that the Malibu Presbyterian Church was being consumed by fire, the seriousness of the fire and the extent of the loss that was to follow soon became apparent.
The church, which welcomes many Pepperdine students to Tuesday night University Ministries and Sunday morning worship services, was one of the first structures to be threatened by the fire. Pastor Greg Hughes, UM Director Ross McMeekin and a few other church staff members rushed to the church at about 6:45 a.m., with only the knowledge that the church could be destroyed at any moment.
“We grabbed the stuff that needed to be grabbed before the church burned down, but when we got there we had no idea how fast [the fire] was moving,” McMeekin said.
They rushed to collect and preserve all that they could, including documents, computers and databases. Their time, however, was limited. About 45 minutes before the church was consumed by flames, a deputy sheriff demanded they evacuate the building for their safety.
“We ran out, but we couldn’t conceptualize what was going on,” McMeekin said. “We just knew the smoke was thick and ashes were coming down.”
Malibu Presbyterian Church finally burnt down at about 8:40 a.m., with only the UM House remaining intact. McMeekin said disbelief was his first reaction upon learning the news.
“At first, I thought, ‘That’s not funny — you’re kidding, but that’s really not funny,’” he said. “But it’s real, and we were just shocked.”
Hughes said that his family shared tears at the realization of the church’s destruction. He has been a pastor of the church for almost seven years, and his children had attended school there. He said that it was an emotional morning for them all.
Though the building was lost, the heart of that building was not shaken. According to McMeekin, Malibu Presbyterian Church is made up of the people who worship there, not the building that houses them. And, despite the devastation at the church, Hughes said he and those in the community are staying positive.
“My hope for the future of the church is that we’ll be stronger and that God will use this,” Hughes said. “Our faith is all about the fact that God takes something and makes something good out of it.”
Hughes said he and the other members of the congregation are looking forward to the rebuilding process.
“The church and leadership are hopeful, and we’re trusting God in the midst of this,” McMeekin said. “Our mission remains the same, with or without the building.”
Even so, Pepperdine students who have taken part in the church’s Sunday and UM services have expressed disbelief and upset over the loss of the church.
Sophomore Lindsey Laubacher, UM leader of publicity, said she found out that the church burned down after a call from her father. The call confirmed rumors that students in the cafeteria had been spreading on Sunday morning, and she said she immediately burst into tears at the realization of the fire’s devastation.
“Coming to Pepperdine, Malibu Pres has been my home away from home,” Laubacher said. “It allowed me to get away from my studies for a time of fellowship and worship with great people.”
She said that although she knows the church will move forward, she will miss the buildings that she knew and loved during her time at Pepperdine.
“It’s going to be really weird because I picture my memories and times there, and it’s never going to be the same,” Laubacher said. “We’re never going to be in that building again.”
McMeekin said he believes the church will rebuild and grow from this experience, but he agrees the Malibu Presbyterian Church structure will nonetheless be missed.
“The place of that sanctuary holds memories,” McMeekin said. “There’s a sense of something lost there, which is sad.”
However, many students said they are trying to keep faith at this time, knowing that not everything is lost.
“The heart of Malibu Pres is still alive,” said senior Leslie Horvath.
Horvath served as a UM leader of prayer last year, and she said prayer has been keeping her strong through this situation.
“I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason,” Horvath said. “I don’t know why fire happens, but God will make good of it.”
Sophomore Taylor Hoff, who serves as a UM worship leader, said she is trying to remain strong through this tragic time, as well.
“The important thing is to keep the church and its services going,” Hoff said.
Hoff said she has been attending Sunday and UM services at Malibu Presbyterian Church since freshman year, and she loves its welcoming atmosphere.
“The congregation is really interested in the college community and Pepperdine students,” Hoff said. “I got to know a lot of the other members of the congregation, and they expressed a lot of interest in us.”
Hughes and McMeekin agree that they have been moved and appreciative of the support they have received from the community.
“It’s great to see all the outpourings of love through tragedy,” McMeekin said.
Hughes noted the warmth that Pepperdine University has shown the church.
“We appreciate Pepperdine and their support, love and prayers, and we appreciate all the help offered by the Pepperdine community,” Hughes said.
And, though the church no longer remains, Hughes said he is glad no one was harmed from the fire. All else can be fixed.
“It’s just a building — we didn’t lose our church,” Hughes said. “We’ll re-gather and regroup. We believe God will do something out of this and make us stronger.”
The first UM, since the fire, took place Tuesday at 8:15 p.m. in Elkins Auditorium. The service in Elkins, which was packed, followed an interactive structure. Microphones were available for students to speak their hearts, and tears and stories were shared. Through all, a feeling of hope surrounded the room.
“We don’t need a building,” said 2007 Pepperdine graduate John Laubacher, who played in Tuesday’s UM worship band. “What we need is God, as he is here right now in this place.”
Malibu Presbyterian’s Sunday services and Tuesday UM services will continue at off-site locations. The next UM location has yet to be determined, but this Sunday’s worship service will be held at 10 a.m. at the Malibu Performing Arts Center.
For more information about Malibu Presbyterian Church services and events, check out the Graphic Web site at graphic.pepperdine.edu. Other questions and concerns can be sent to McMeekin at ross.mcmeekin@yahoo.com.
10-24-2007
