Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church finds sanctuary at Congregation Mickve Israel while repairs continue

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) -A Methodist church and a synagogue in Savannah are sharing worship space after a catastrophic roof collapse left one congregation without a sanctuary.

Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church has been holding Sunday services at Congregation Mickve Israel since part of the church’s ceiling and sanctuary collapsed back in July. Early estimates put the damage at $1.7 million.

“It left us basically homeless when it comes to a place of worship,” said Ben Martin, senior pastor of Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church.

On Sundays, the synagogue’s sanctuary transforms for Christian worship. Jewish prayer books are set aside and replaced with Christian hymnals. Methodist worshippers fill pews typically occupied by synagogue members.

“The staff that meet us here on Sunday morning and invite us in practice hospitality in a way that makes us learn something about what it means to welcome people,” Martin said.

The partnership between the two faith communities extends beyond the current crisis. Martin said the congregations have supported each other for years.

“Wesley had a fire many, many years ago. We were displaced, and Mickve Israel reached out and invited us in. That’s happened several times back and forth. Mickve Israel has also gathered in our worship space when they had a need there,” Martin said.

Church leaders have not determined what caused the recent collapse.

“Once you start digging into it, you discover problems you didn’t even know you had,” Martin said.

Despite their different faith traditions, both congregations say they share the same message of loving thy neighbor.

“My hope is that this challenges us moving forward to practice hospitality in a very tangible and real way with others,” Martin said.

Congregation Mickve Israel says they will welcome the Methodist church in their sanctuary as long as needed.