Carol Stream church's rebuilding close to complete

The wait is almost over for members of Wheaton Christian Center Church.

Nearly six months since a microburst destroyed much of its building -- forcing members to worship at area school gyms and hotel conference rooms -- church leaders say they're close to reopening the sanctuary in Carol Stream.

Few scars remain from the March 31 windstorm, which slammed roof debris from a nearby apartment complex onto the rear cinderblock wall and roof of the church at 610 E. North Ave.

Construction crews spent much of the summer rebuilding walls, replacing carpet and patching holes in the roof of the building -- an estimated $4 million project.

Last month, church leaders finally were allowed to move back into their offices. The church's private school is expected to reopen next week at the site.

And church leaders are expected to host their first service at the church on Sept. 23 -- the sixth anniversary of the building's first services.

"We were really held in God's favor," said James Ward, the church's executive administrator. "This entire reconstruction process has been a blessing for us."

Despite the scope of the rebuilding, Ward said the work with the church's insurance provider and construction crews went smoothly.

And parishioners were able to band together, continuing to attend services at interim sites and offering help during the reconstruction.

"The congregation held together over this," said Chris Ellerman, executive director of Outreach Community Ministries, which next month plans to reopen a furniture resale shop at the church.

"They're growing in their commitment to the neighborhood," Ellerman said. "The reconstruction allowed them to really redo the church inside."