MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- For the first time since 2017, worshipers gathered at Milwaukee’s Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. The milestone comes after more than six years of rebuilding efforts.

The church was severely damaged in May 2018 by a massive fire that caused the roof to collapse. Since then, restoration work has been ongoing, with significant progress made toward completion.

Cathy Drexler, a Trinity Church member, described the rebuilding process as a patient endeavor.

"It’s been fun watching the process and it’s something that really can’t be rushed. Even though it was destroyed in a hurry, it really can’t be rebuilt in a hurry, so we’re patiently waiting."

Although the restoration is nearing completion, a few tasks remain unfinished. The church’s pastor said the work is on schedule, with full services expected to resume by Easter.