'A mini version of Niagara Falls.' Pipe bursts during Christmas Day services at Elmont church

Water filled the lobby and sanctuary at One Church - interrupting services for 150 people.

News 12 Staff

Dec 27, 2022, 10:21 PM

Updated 717 days ago

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The cold weather caused a pipe at an Elmont church to burst in the middle of Christmas Day services.
Water filled the lobby and sanctuary at One Church - interrupting services for 150 people.
"Before I could blink an eye, that leak turned into a mini version of Niagara Falls," said worship pastor Georgy Varughese.
Following the initial shock of water falling from the ceiling, the congregation pitched in to get the water out.
The church had just finished $500,000 worth of renovations that started during the height of COVID and this was their first Christmas Day services in person in over two years.
"There was not a dry eye in the room - everyone in tears - it was more heartbreaking because it was just done," said Rossin Samuel of Franklin Square.
The congregation is still calling what happened a "Christmas Miracle" because it happened while they were in the building.
The pastor says if it happened while they weren't there, it could have been worse.
Pastor Cecil Mathew said it's how the church responded to the incident that gives him hope that they can rebuild.
"I think it just shows the closeness, the family atmosphere as being close-knit, being ready to jump in when needed and do whatever they could," Mathew said.
The pastor says they are not sure how much it will cost for the repairs but estimates it could be thousands of dollars.
Anyone who would like to donate to help the church can do so at their website.