West Side Baptist completes renovations

West Side Baptist Church, Jacksonville, built in 1919, recently underwent renovations after discovering termite issues in its wood foundation. The church began gathering in its fellowship hall in August and returned to its renovated sanctuary on the last Sunday of February. “It’s been great to be back in there,” deacon Ken Green said. Between assistance from the Alabama State Board of Missions and congregational tithes and offerings, Green said they received more than enough to cover renovation costs for damage that lay mostly beneath the surface. “We were very grateful for [the gifts],” he said. Thankfully the church sustained only small damages from the EF-3 tornado that ripped through the area March 19, Green reported.