The destructive tornado that destroyed both the church and the community of Salado is about to commemorate its one-year anniversary. The First Cedar Valley Baptist Church has come a long way since the tornado's devastation. They just recently celebrated the completion of the reconstruction of their building.
The community's generosity and the church members made reconstructing their place of worship possible. On the day of celebration, Pastor Donnie Jackson started the day by providing a sermon of encouragement and upliftment. He also shared the church's strong will to continue reconstructing and high spirits throughout the span of reconstruction.
The First Cedar Valley Baptist Church Rises Once Again
According to KXAN, the congregation experienced intense emotion when the building was finished. They were overcome with tears and joy as they saw hope restored in their church. At the First Cedar Valley Baptist Church's completion ceremony, Governor Greg Abbott spoke and distributed a proclamation.
He cited a passage from the Bible in his speech to emphasize that even though the community had experienced hardship, they had not been destroyed. He recognized the difficulties they had faced in the wake of the terrible tornado and praised their fortitude.
In the story in KCEN, on April 12 of last year, a strong storm devastated rural Bell County, bringing it with hail, strong rains, and an EF-3 tornado that swept the community. The tornado continued for about 30 minutes, annihilating about 61 homes and 2 churches, including the First Cedar Valley Baptist Church.
The church building was completely stripped down to its foundation slab. Despite this, the community and the church showed their resilience in the times of hardships that the storm had caused, and they continued to offer their services wholeheartedly. Their perseverance reflected their faith and dedication to serving the lord and the community.
Also Read: Churches Offer Comfort and Support to Affected Communities Amidst Mississippi Delta Tornadoes
Recent Reports of Tornado Devastation
Recently, a tornado has destructed through the lower Mississippi Delta that has caused a large amount of damage to the community. According to a story here in Christianity Daily, despite the tornado's damage, the Rolling Fork Methodist Church remained resilient. The community, which was well renowned for its intense religiosity, found solace in uniting and expressing thanks for what they still had.
At least 25 people lost their lives, and many more were injured due to the tornado, especially in the poorer part of Mississippi. In the neighboring state of Alabama, the storm also destroyed a trailer, which led to one fatality.
According to ABC News, more than a dozen shelters have opened to provide housing for the displaced. During Sunday services, the Rolling Fork Methodist Church and First Baptist Church consoled their followers among the destruction. Pastor Britt Williamson and Reverend Mary Stewart led their congregations in prayer, emphasizing the value of faith under trying circumstances.
Williamson offered assistance to people impacted by the disaster and proclaimed his wish to help the poor find an enduring home. Despite the loss of their home and the homes of other family members, Marlon Nicholas, a member of the First Baptist Church, related his family's experience of attending a high school prom on Friday night. In spite of the difficulties, the neighborhood has banded together to help one another and start the reconstruction process.
Related Article: Historic Church Overcomes Devastation and Rebuilds Stronger than Before after March 2020 Tornado: Churches As Shelter For Natural Calamity
