[Techman]

I always used an AVO for checking transistor junctions, but I'm gradually getting used to using a DMM...I never use a transistor tester.

Those old solid state PA amps usually go on forever if they're not shorted out, so my very strong recommendation would be to thoroughly check and test the whole speaker installation in that church hall before even thinking about either fitting that repaired amplifier, or a new one back in the place and connecting up. I suspect a speaker wiring fault may/could have caused the original blow up, so definitely check it out just to be on the safe side.