Though tornadoes and straight winds whipped through Alabama early Nov. 24, Alabama Baptist churches appear to have passed through the storms virtually unscathed.
With all associational offices contacted, minimal damage to one Calhoun Association church building was the only reported incident as of press time Nov. 24.
Alabama Baptist churches were “blessed without a question,” said Tommy Puckett, director of men’s ministries for the State Board of Missions (SBOM). The state’s Baptist churches escaped serious damage by the storm’s swiftness and the early hour, he said.
“The storm came through early with temperatures still low. If it had gotten up into the day, it would have probably been a lot worse,” Puckett said.
Had it not been for that blessing, he said, more churches and church members would have probably been among the ranks of injuries and torn-up homes.
“I’m no meteorologist, but that’s what we’re hearing,” Puckett said.
He added that while homes were destroyed in the Autaugaville area, no one had yet asked for help from the SBOM. “Alabama Emergency Management Agency in Autauga says they have everything under control,” he said.
‘Could have been worse’
Woodland Park Baptist Church, Anniston, was the only church with reported damage, though Sid Nichols, Calhoun Association director of missions, said it could have been much worse.
“A couple of nearby businesses were much harder hit,” Nichols said.
Michael Burgess, pastor of Woodland Park, said a straight wind ripped a sign from the parking lot of the business next door and hit the church, knocking down some panels and vinyl siding.
The storm destroyed a glass chandelier that hung under the porch of the church entrance. It also tore siding from the steeple and eaves, causing water damage inside the church.
“It’s not too bad, though,” Burgess said. The aftermath could be cleaned up with no trouble before Sunday’s service, he added. “We’ll definitely be able to meet.”
Burgess said the church was blessed to have escaped serious problems. And across the rest of Alabama’s associations, reports seem to be the same.
“We had some severe lightning and rain, but I’ve not heard of any churches damaged,” said Jack Collins, director of missions for West Cullman Association.
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