Victory Church. (Photo courtesy: Victory Church/File)
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — More than three years after a fire destroyed their building, Victory Church in Bloomington marked a powerful comeback with a two-day Grand Reopening and Dedication Celebration over the weekend.
The celebration, held Saturday evening and Sunday morning, drew faith leaders and community members from across Central Illinois.
Together, they dedicated the newly rebuilt worship center and reflected on a long journey marked by faith, resilience, and rebuilding.
Pastors Beth and Ed Herald, who have led the church through its recovery, say the experience has only deepened their trust in God’s plan.
“When you are told by God something that’s very valuable to him and he entrusts you with the vision… and when things don’t turn out just like you think they should—but you know He spoke to you and you hang on—it does something to you,” said Pastor Ed Herald. “It builds your faith, builds your confidence… not in your ability, but in God’s ability.”
The original church building was destroyed by a catastrophic fire on January 10, 2022, resulting in over $4 million in damages. In the years since, the congregation worshiped in temporary locations while plans to rebuild moved forward.
Now, with the doors officially reopened, Victory Church is celebrating not just a new facility, but a renewed mission to serve the Central Illinois community with even greater purpose.
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