ATLANTA – Five more minutes, and the severe storm damage Third Baptist Church in Owensboro, Ky., experienced Oct. 18 would have been a lot worse.
Approximately 100 people gathered in the church’s sanctuary for the Kentucky Council of Churches’ annual assembly as a severe thunderstorm blew through Owensboro, possibly causing several tornados. Thirty minutes into the worship service the weather worsened noticeably, and worshippers rushed for shelter in the church’s basement. When it seemed safe to return to the sanctuary, they saw the extensive damage they narrowly missed.
"We went in [the sanctuary], and I was just sick," said James Byrd, the church’s pastor. "We would have had people killed. The bell tower fell in the church. There were 30 to 40 people [in that area], and it would have crushed them."
"Nobody was hurt, and we’re thankful for that," said Charles Douglas, the church’s minister of music.
In western Kentucky, this severe line of storms injured at least nine people and caused widespread power outages and wind damage, according to Associated Press reports.
When the church’s bell tower collapsed, it destroyed large sections of the balcony, the church’s grand piano and many pews. Stained glass windows shattered, dust scattered, the parking lot filled with debris, and the family life center suffered water and structural damage.
"These things do happen," said Ken Adkisson, a 54-year member of the church. "But we’ll survive. We’re just fortunate those people got out."
Byrd said the church has insurance to cover what he estimates is $1 million in damages that may take six months or longer to repair.
The congregation will gather in the parking lot for a brief worship service Oct. 21, and Byrd said they’ll decide soon on an alternate worship space.
"Just pray for us," Byrd said. "We’ve done everything we know to do, and we’re just waiting to see what’s next. We covet the prayers."
CBF is a fellowship of Baptist Christians and churches who share a passion for the Great Commission and a commitment to Baptist principles of faith and practice. The Fellowship’s mission is to serve Christians and churches as they discover and fulfill their God-given mission.