A fresh start: Journey Church starts to rebuild years after fire

CLINTON, Ill. (WAND) – Nearly six years after a devastating fire tore through a Clinton church, a new chapter is rising from the ashes.

Journey Church, formerly known as Assembly Church of God, is rebuilding and redefining its mission after the 2020 fire that destroyed much of its longtime home.

In June 2020, flames engulfed the church along South Mulberry Street, drawing crews from multiple departments across central Illinois. The fire quickly grew into a massive response, and while parts of the building were saved, the sanctuary was destroyed. At the time, church leaders called the loss heartbreaking but vowed to rebuild.

Standing at the site today, Lead Pastor Nick Blacklidge said the memories of that day are still vivid.

“It was just shock and disbelief,” Blacklidge said. “You’re standing there with your whole congregation and just watching everything … so many memories, and it’s just all gone.”

Blacklidge said the building held deep personal meaning. It was a place where life moments unfolded for him and so many others in the congregation.

“I dedicated my kids in that building … I kind of feel like I grew up a little bit in that building,” he said.

Despite the destruction, firefighters were able to save portions of the structure, something Blacklidge said he remains grateful for years later.

Today, that same space is filled with construction, signaling a long-awaited comeback.

“We are so excited to be moving forward,” Blacklidge said.

The new building will include a welcoming foyer, gathering spaces and eventually a renovated sanctuary inside the existing structure.

But for this congregation, the rebuilding process has been about more than just bricks and beams.

“It was so heartwarming to see the people you worship with … come together and say, ‘Hey, this is just the building,’” Blacklidge said. “We were the church, and we went forward.”

After the fire, the congregation temporarily relocated, holding services at Little Galilee before eventually returning to the cleaned-up portion of their property.

Through it all, Blacklidge said the experience reshaped what truly matters.

“Things, buildings, all that stuff is nice, but the people are what really matter,” he said.

The church has also transformed in name and identity, becoming Journey Church.

Now, standing where destruction once defined the landscape, Blacklidge said there is a renewed sense of purpose.

“It feels hopeful … to see something going up in a place where destruction happened,” he said. “It tells our community we’re not done yet, and God’s not done with us.”

For Journey Church, the fire that once marked one of its darkest days is now part of a larger story of resilience. Construction on the foyer is expected to be complete by April.

Part of Decatur remains under boil order after water main break

Moweaqua mayor resigns, board cuts funding to avoid deficit

Peanut butter recalled in 20 states, including Illinois