Flood destroys iconic church in downtown Manhattan

The regents of the temple fear that the insurance will not cover the millionaire damages left by the rupture of a main water pipe

NY. – Leaders and parishioners of the Church of Saint Peter , located on the corner of the street 54 East and Lexington Avenue, were dismayed by the serious damage left by a flood caused by the break of a main water pipe, at dawn on Tuesday.

The break occurred just below the square shared by the church, Citigroup Center and the subway entrance on the corner of the street 53 and Lexington Avenue.

Amount losses

The water gushed in with such intensity that the sanctuary was flooded within minutes, destroying a piano, an organ, much of the documentation, many of which had historical value. The flood also brought down the ceiling and some walls and destroyed everything that was in the basement, said the pastor Fabián Arias.

“The losses are considerable. We are trying to assess what can be salvaged, but practically everything is destroyed. It will be necessary to redo the entire electrical and heating system of the church, likewise it will be necessary to rebuild the theater ”, said Arias.

The pastor called the situation ‘catastrophic’ and added that he fears that the insurance will not cover all the intensity of the damage.

Several crews of workers continued to evacuate the water from the interior of the church until noon this Tuesday. The water level reached more than 3 feet high, according to the marks that could be seen on the walls.

Meanwhile, the city confirmed that there was a break in the main water main on Lexington Avenue, adding that the church should file an insurance claim with the comptroller’s office.

‘It’s an unexpected test’

In a message to the faithful through the page From Facebook Church, Senior Pastor, Jared Stahler , regretted to announce that the temple will be closed for a while

The Nevelso Chapel and the church offices upstairs have not been affected by this event. Stahler further reported that the church is not sure its insurance will cover the costs, but is nonetheless beginning the claim process.

“It has been a year of challenges for our congregation and we know this is mortifying news for our community. Even as we wait for more information and begin to understand the repairs that will be needed, we are grateful for the resilience of the San Pedro Church family. These unexpected tests always bring out the best in our community. Together, as the body of Christ that we are, we will move forward with hope and perseverance, “wrote Pastor Stahler.

While the insurance is being done, the Pastor acknowledged that donations are being requested from the community to help defray expenses.

The data

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Peter , was founded on June 2, 1862, by a group of German immigrants, and has since served the parishioners of that area of ​​downtown Manhattan.