The following was printed in the Columbian newspaper:
From Saturday September 29 issue of The Columbian, Cheers and Jeers Editorial page
Cheers: To the Lord’s House. In May 2016, a still-unidentified arsonist set fire to the Vancouver United Church of Christ, also known as First Congregational United Church of Christ, a longtime landmark towering above Hazel Dell’s Highway 99 strip. Damage was severe, and the intricate architectural design made its repair difficult. On Sunday, the congregation celebrated the completion of the project with a worship service and rededication.
“The fire was a terrible experience, but through the faith of this church and the loving hand of God, we could not be brought down,” said Bert Martin, who led the rebuilding committee.