New Church Holds First Service After Fire

By Jennifer Pierce, NEWS 9

SEMINOLE, Okla. -- An Oklahoma church congregation celebrated Christmas early. The Seminole First Assembly of God held Sunday service in its newly built sanctuary.

On Christmas Eve three years ago, their church was destroyed by arsonists.

"With the new building and everything going on here it seems like that was years and years ago. It's not a sore spot at all," church member David Long said.

While the church was being built, members held services in a funeral chapel and a small building downtown. The downtown building will now be used to house their youth ministry.

It's the perfect Christmas gift they've been waiting three years to unwrap.

"It's a marvelous Christmas gift," Pastor Doyle Long said.