A line of severe storms swept across the eastern U.S. this week leaving thousands of homes and businesses without power Tuesday evening (Aug. 8) — at least two people were reportedly killed in the storms. Two churches also reported damage.
At Proctorville Baptist Church in North Carolina, lightning apparently struck the steeple on Aug. 7, starting a large blaze that destroyed the building.
The Biblical Recorder reports that local fire officials declared the church’s sanctuary and all of its contents a total loss. The church’s fellowship hall also sustained heavy smoke and water damage.
Pastor Steve Johnson said the church will hold a prayer service Wednesday night (Aug. 9) in the parking lot and will meet Sunday at a local community building.
“The church is still present,” he said. “The building is not, but the church is still here. God is going to do something great and wonderful with what’s happened.”
Wind destroys Alabama church’s steeple
Wind also blew the steeple off of the sanctuary of Center Grove Baptist Church in Cullman, Alabama, during the storms Aug. 7.
A post on the church’s Facebook page said they were thankful for no other damage.
