Marion churchgoers may have noticed that the community center and Penny Pinchers have been closed by the First Congregational Church of Marion for the past couple months.

In March, members of the church found that a pipe in an upstairs bathroom at the community center had burst and had been pouring out water for almost 24 full hours.

Judith Coykendall, who works with the church, said that after surveying the damage it was determined that the space was unsafe for the public to use. This created problems for the church, which hosts Friendship Dinners and Weight Watchers meetings in its community center.

Coykendall said she immediately reached out to Rev. Geoffrey Piper at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church for help.

“He said ‘of course we’ll help you any way we can,’” Coykendall said.

She added that no matter what they needed, the other church was there to help.

“Weight Watchers moved over to St. Gabriel’s, and then it was time for our Friendship Dinner in March. Once again, St. Gabe’s came to the rescue,” she said. “We’re very grateful. It shows the trust and relationship we have within the community.”

Coykendall said the church now has the insurance check, and construction is imminent.

“We hope we can reopen by the beginning of June, but we can’t make promises because you know how construction is,” she said. “I’m hoping the community center and Penny Pinchers will be open by then, but right now it’s not safe for the public.”

If anyone is expecting a check from Penny Pinchers or has any other questions, call 508-748-1053.