NOT only has the loss of the Rathmines Public School hall to fire come as a great shock to the school community, it has also resulted in the interruption, if not the end, of a great community relationship.
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Thrive Church (formerly Rathmines Neighbourhood Church) has been holding its services in the school hall for almost 22 years.
Now the church is looking for a new home.
Thrive Church has long been involved with the Rathmines community, hosting scripture classes in schools, running a Kids' Club for dozens of children, and a youth group.
They also host Christmas carols and a free sausage sizzle at the F jetty each year.
"Our congregation has served in working bees, both at the school and in the broader Westlakes community," the church's Reverend John Crawford said.
The church has also been involved in City Serve projects.
"Church for us has never been about buildings, but always about people," he said.
Mr Crawford said being displaced from the school hall was a new chapter, "a fresh opportunity to continue to serve our local community in whatever way we can".
He thanked the many people who had expressed their concern about the church's future, as well as the school community, the teaching staff and "three great principals" who had let the church use the school over the years.
■ Phone Reverend Crawford on 0413 392 315.
