Tuesday's church fire at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran will be forever etched in the mind of its congregants. For the Palmers, it has an even deeper meaning, because they married there exactly 25 years ago.
Emmanuel Lutheran Church of the Deaf's Pastor Bud Palmer and wife Johanna Palmer say their church was under renovation when they decided to get married. Since the couple had some services there, they thought the church was beautiful, Johanna gave them a call.
"So we wanted to go someplace else. You know, like a historic church, and then we thought 'oh man! You know Trinity would be good.' I wonder if we could use that," said Johanna.
On May 15, 1993 the couple said, "I do!"
But 25 years to the day, the church went up in flames. Bud says it's a reminder that nothing last forever and it's important to cherish one another and the little things.
The Palmers are among many to visit Trinity's remains and say goodbye to the iconic structure. While the loss is sad, Bud says it's best to focus on the importance within the church: Its family.
"Concentrate on the family that you have there at Trinity and the community there and just work together," said Bud.
Bud is in talks with Trinity's president and says Emmanuel will help wherever they can.
