Clayton Episcopal church damaged by heavy rains

CLAYTON — Christ Episcopal Church suffered an estimated $50,000 to $60,000 worth of water damage due to heavy rains a week and a half ago.

The Rev. Nancy C. Betz, director at the church, said the church's basement and rooms were flooded with 8 to 9 inches of water when the sewer backed up after the sump pump in the basement clogged up and failed.

"The Clayton Fire Department came Saturday and pumped the water out and we've hired a drying company. There's an awful lot of mold that has been growing since the flooding. The workers had to remove the basement ceiling and everything. They're also going to have to remove the carpets," she said.

The Sunday service at the Clayton church has been canceled, but a joint service will be held 9 a.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church, Market Street, Cape Vincent.

Services will resume Sept. 12 at the church, she said.