Napa church helps community despite damage sustained in quake

NAPA, Calif. (KGO) -- It's been one year since a magnitude-6.0 quake shook Napa, causing millions of dollars in damage and injuring hundreds of people.

The region and city have come a long way since the earthquake, but some places have a long way to go.

At the First Presbyterian Church in Napa, Pastor David Stoker said their most important mission is feeding the needy five days a week. "We're trying to walk the talk," he said.

After the earthquake, those in need of food never missed a meal even though the building itself suffered.

The crooked weather vane atop the church used to be a landmark and now it's a constant reminder of the earthquake to everyone in the city.

It's expected to cost at least $1.5 million to repair the damage and restore the church that had not missed a service in 140 years.

First Presbyterian Church is on the National Register of Historic Places. No wonder tourists visit every day. But where they once marveled at the architecture, they now see shattered glass.

Church member Mike Gibson led ABC7 News into a cramped space where as of last week, the historic 800-pound bell remained where it fell on August 24.

Getting that bell in place and ringing again is symbolic.

In the meantime, the church members miss practicing their faith at this church on Sundays.

Click here for details on the one-year anniversary, and Click here for full coverage on the South Napa Earthquake.

PHOTOS: South Napa Earthquake damage

PHOTOS: Six months after South Napa Earthquake