AUBURN — The Court Street Baptist Church had to shut its doors due to flooding last Tuesday, but leadership plans to continue serving the congregation in “adventure mode” for the immediate future.

The Rev. Jim Grumbine, the church’s transitional pastor, said the driveway leading down to the office and vestry side entrance “turned into a small lake” at about windshield-height levels. The pressure from the water eventually caused the metal door to buckle and tear away from the jamb allowing nearly 4 feet of water to enter the building.

“Two church trustees, who were present in the building as the outer door gave way, were knocked off their feet and swept about 20 feet up the hallway,” said Grumbine. “Apart from a few bruises, these men were not injured.”

The water eventually settled at about 6 inches across the lower level of the building, damaging offices, the community clothing closet rooms, kitchen, meeting spaces, library and vestry. Grumbine said remediation contractors were consulted and have begun work and insurance and legal personnel have been consulted.

Dan Dionne, chair of the Court Street Baptist Church trustees, looks at the asbestos floor Friday where rainfall from a recent storm dumped a few feet of water down the stairs and through the ceiling of the Auburn church. The hall in the basement of the 160-year-old church was once filled with youth playing games and socializing. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

One trustee said damages may be in the ballpark of $1 million.

“The Court Street Congregation is currently in conversations with sister churches who have been graciously offering their own meeting spaces for its temporary ministries while renovation questions are considered,” Grumbine said.

The church’s Clothing Closet ministry to the Lewiston and Auburn community is no longer in operation due to the damages, but other ministries not dependent on the building will continue, Grumbine said. The pastor and office manager are remaining in contact with members and attendees and the congregation’s intent is to continue its 160-plus years of ministry to the Lewiston and Auburn community remotely, he said.

“The facts of the flooding at CSBC have thrown us off-balance, to be sure,” said Grumbine. “But our faith is firm, and continues to sustain us. Our God is far greater than the challenges we face, and we are looking to him for his guidance! That is not mere religious hype. We really believe that.”

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