SMITHVILLE – Nearly two years after fire leveled the First Presbyterian Church in Smithville, members of the congregation showed eagerness to move forward when a ceremonial ground breaking for a new church building was held Saturday.

Construction of a new church is well underway. Excavators began the initial work weeks ago and the foundation is nearly finished. Though fire destroyed the 80-year-old church that once stood on site, and another in the same location burned prior to that, church members say they’re keeping positive about a new building.

“Members of the church have literally risen from the ashes,” said Reverend Barbara Schwartz, a Presbyterian minister who regularly fills in at the pulpit. “If any good can come of a fire, this is it.”