Sanctuary Damaged in April 27 Tornado
"Pressed but not crushed... struck down, but not destroyed"
Worship Song: Trading my Sorrows from
II Corinthians 4:9
These words sum up some of the sentiments coming from First Methodist in the days since the April 27 tornado, which damaged the landmark sanctuary (on left, South end of building).
In the days that followed this tornado damage, one of a devastating number of tornadoes across much of North Alabama, many expressions have been heard. Some surround the building in which so many were nurtured in the Christian faith. There are many, while grieving the damage to the building, returned thanks to God for what remained. Included in this is that much of the physical church facility received less significant damage.
Damage to the 3rd floor classroom space (shown right) was extensive as well, but no one in the building sustained injury in the storm. In the short time that has followed, work crews have worked tirelessly to cover the exposed areas, assess damage, and prepare for upcoming renovations. NEXT: re-roofing the building. We have good insurance, including separate coverage on the organ and stained glass windows.
We will want to come by this page regularly to check on the progress of the church's recovery, but also to stay connected to the progress across that will be made in Cullman County to rebuild what has been lost. Check the links for ways to stay connected and to actively trade "our sorrows for the joy of the Lord".
We expect to grow through this. As one of the singers in the group Casting Crowns prayed at the Cullman concert May 1, "Sometimes you still the storm and sometimes you walk us through it. We trust you." Our goal with reconstruction is to honor the past without failing the future.