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TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Almost three years ago St. David’s Episcopal Church was destroyed in an arson fire.

”It was horrible,” said Father Don Davidson.

“It was a grievous day for the community,” said Dorothy Dalton.

November 10, 2006 was a day hard for him to revisit, and Father Davidson said since then, the church hasn’t done much looking back.

Saturday and Sunday St. David’s is hosting an open house for the community to see the church’s new building.

"We opened it up for everyone to see what we've accomplished, and what we're accomplishing," said Father Davidson.

Before the rebuilding process, the church considered relocating, but its members decided its place on 17th Street was its best home.

"Overwhelmingly the members decided to stay,” said Wendy Bair-Loeher, a member of the church and its Senior Warden.

They wanted to stay for a variety of reasons but also she said, “Because we didn’t want the fire to defeat us.”

St. David’s decision to stay also made an impact on those not affiliated with the church like Dorothy Dalton.

“It was a blessing for us,” she said, “It showed the spunk of the people, and their desire to look ahead.”

A head St. David is moving, in a new building, but with its same mission.