When an F-2 tornado tore
through Claremont in October, First Baptist Church took a hit.
The tornado, which came
through Oct. 26 around 7:30 p.m. with winds up to 110 miles per hour, blew away
the church’s steeple, tore off part of the roof and damaged every Sunday School
classroom.
Part of the roof ripped off the top of First Baptist Church in Claremont formed a cross with its trusses. Members expressed thanks for God’s miracle in not hurting anyone during the storm that came through the area Oct. 26. |
“First Baptist Church of
Claremont is on the way to recovery,” said Dennis J. Richards Sr., pastor, in a
letter. “It may take us as long as six weeks but we have a place to worship in
our fellowship hall. We have a closer knit fellowship because of the
storm.”
Volunteers from North
Carolina Baptist Men responded by cleaning up debris and putting a temporary
tarp on the roof. Baptist Men helped others in the community as well.
Winds jerked locked doors of
the church open exposing the sanctuary to the storm. But there were only a few
loose pews, some carpet damage, broken inside doors, and broken foyer
tiles. Dehumidifiers were brought in to dry out the water-damaged carpet
and other items. There was much damage left on the grounds and on a walkway
connected to the church.
On the walkway was left a
perfect cross formed out of the wooden beams which were ripped off the
roof. Members were back in church the following Sunday, meeting in the
basement.
A local television station
reported the steeple was split into at least three pieces; one piece is still
missing.
“It’s absolutely amazing. It
just makes my heart break because of the love we have at this church and the
outpouring of fellowship that we have, and the praise that we have,” said
Richards to a local television station.
The church’s Oct. 28
Facebook status highlights some of the damage:
“Thanks be to God that no
one was hurt or killed in the Claremont tornado! Our church building did
sustain damage though. We lost our steeple and part of our roof, but God gave
us a new cross! Part of the roof trusses that blew out made a perfect cross
that God hung over our railing, reminding us that he is still in control!”