Two-and-a-half years after a major fire destroyed St. Paul's United Methodist Church, a congregation of more then 600 celebrated the church's re-opening yesterday in a modern facility surrounded by new stained glass windows.

"Anything is possible," a choir sang to mark the service in the new $3 million sanctuary of the 102-year-old congregation.

A November 1987 fire, caused by faulty wiring in the attic, destroyed the roof, steeple and sanctuary of the 74-year-old building, now with its main entrance at 109 McAllister St.

"All that remained after the fire were four stone walls and a dirt floor," said Head Pastor Rev. John Stamm.

During his sermon, Stamm said the church, which used to face 250 E. College Ave., has been reborn.

"We don't just have a new church," he said. "We have a physical, visual example of the gospel."

Major reconstruction included new stained glass windows replicated from the original windows destroyed in the fire. The church received $2.3 million from insurance and $740,000 from pledges and congregation offerings, Stamm added.

Less than a year before the fire, the church had spent $600,000 to renovate the structure.

Seating capacity in the new sanctuary has increased from 500 to 600. At yesterday's service, the 100 added seats were still not enough to hold the congregation. Fold-out chairs were available for the overflow.

Stamm and members of the congregation said St. Paul's membership and service attendance actually increased by 10 percent while the church was under reconstruction.

Other changes to the building include a lobby that connects the church and Wesley Foundation -- the congregation's home during the 27-month construction.

The Wesley Foundation, 252 E. College Ave., is a center for student ministry and is owned by the Wesley Foundation corporation. All area United Methodist churches may use the facility for church activities, Stramm said.

Sanctuary seating also has been turned around. The congregation now faces McAllister Street instead of College Avenue. Only the front entrance-way awaits completion, which is expected in July, Stamm said.

Since the church's pipe organ was destroyed in the blaze, a new organ has been ordered, but will not be available until June, Associate Pastor Rev. John Schaefer said.

Rubble and a painted wooden sign with the words "Let the Spirit Soar" are the only remains of the largest fire in State College within the past three years.

"What an incredible moment this is," Stamm said to his congregation. "I wish somehow I could trade places with you so everyone could stand at the pulpit and see the church from here."