Ark Church will rebuild popular Family Life Center

| December 5, 2012

An excavator made quick work of the burned out building.

What had remained of the Family Life Center at the Ark International Church of Nags Head was razed this week, but Pastor Jim Lewis says he expects to break ground on a new center sometime this coming summer.

The center was gutted by a fire in early October. Investigators could not determine the cause of the blaze, said Nags Head Fire Chief Kevin Zorc Tuesday. The chief added that there was no evidence of wrongdoing.

Separate from the main church, the center contained a gymnasium, meeting space, kitchen and upstairs classrooms. It was used for a number of church and community functions and was popular among area youth for its Friday night roller skating.

Church officials are in the process of hiring an architect and developing plans for the new building, Lewis said. Construction of the center will likely incorporate some upgrades, he added.

Ark Church fire

A firefighter on a ladder truck trains water on the roof of the building in the October blaze. (Rob Morris)

These improvements would include a more efficient area for youth to pick up and drop off roller skates and include more room to accommodate the large number of children who participate in the Friday night event.

While the church’s insurance will cover some of the reconstruction costs, other funding is expected to come from donations.

“We will be getting out in January to try to raise some money,” Lewis said.

The building was also used by a local wrestling club and for recreational basketball. It hosted special events as well, such as National Night Out and YMCA camps.

“The building stayed pretty busy,” Lewis said.

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See what people are saying:

  • joe says:

    I’ve never been in the building, but I hear many talking about the loss of this community resource. I’m making a pledge of $100.00 towards reconstruction. Lets rebuild this community resource. Who’s with me?

    • on December 5, 2012 @ 2:32 pm

  • OBXResident says:

    Please let us know about any fundraising efforts! I spent alot of time there as a child, and would love to help get it back open!

    • on December 5, 2012 @ 6:14 pm

  • ARKmember says:

    No official fundraising events are taking place at the moment but donations can be made directly to the church office. Thank you for all that have already donated and to those who are offering continued help.

    • on December 6, 2012 @ 7:42 am

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