wfn.org | Third Episcopal Church destroyed by tornado

[Daphne Mack <dmack@dfms.org>]

99-2288
Third Tennessee church falls victim to tornado destruction

by Bill Dalglish
(ENS) "We will rebuild, and it will be on the same spot in 
historic downtown Clarksville!" The message resonated from Rector 
David Murray, Senior Warden Steve Dial and members of the vestry 
and congregation of Trinity Episcopal Church, one of the oldest 
congregations in the Diocese of Tennessee, shortly after the 
church building was destroyed by a tornado on January 22.

The ornate 120-year-old structure, extensivly remodeled just 
nine years ago, was part of the destruction that turned downtown 
Clarksville, about 40 miles northwest of Nashville, from one of 
the state's most attractive historic districts into what many 
described as a "war zone," with rubble from 150 damaged or 
destroyed buildings clogging the once stately streets and 
walkways. Another of Clarksville's prominent churches, Madison 
Street United Methodist Church (which had just completed a $1.2-
million renovation) was also destroyed, as well as the stately 
county courthouse.

Despite the damage, not one person died in the early-morning 
storm and only two minor injuries were reported, although 
fatalities were reported in other areas of Tennessee and Arkansas 
when a score of tornadoes were spotted as a severe weather front 
slowly moved through the mid-South.

Murray and Doug Norfleet, pastor of Madison Street United 
Methodist Church, met amidst the rubble and agreed that the 
"church" is not either of their neighboring church buildings, but 
is rather the people who gather to worship and fellowship. Judging 
from the number present and their enthusiasm as each congregation 
held Sunday services in borrowed facilities, the church in 
Clarksville is very much alive.

Episcopal Bishop Bertram Herlong joined the Trinity 
congregation for worship that day. Speaking from the pulpit of 
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, which has offered to share 
the use of its facilities with Trinity, the bishop noted a 
powerful image first suggested by a television news reporter. 
Although Trinity's roof had fallen in, the large limestone cross 
atop the front wall remained in place. "The cross is still 
standing, a symbol of hope," said Herlong. "The cross is a 
reminder of the power of God's love, which overcomes every 
adversity.

The question we face this morning is not what life has done 
to us, but what we will do with life. Does God just stand by 
watching in times of tragedy? No, God empowers us with hope and 
peace. God empowers us with love and the power to persevere. But 
we cannot do it by ourselves. That's why we need the church and 
the church needs us-to help us move confidently into the future 
no matter what perils are before us. The cross is still 
standing."

In a meeting with the congregation, Herlong noted that this 
was the third time in 10 months that Episcopal churches in the 
Diocese of Tennessee, which covers the middle part of the state, 
had been destroyed by tornadoes. St. Anne's Church in Nashville 
and St. John's in Mt. Juliet were destroyed last April when two 
tornadoes ripped through downtown Nashville and beyond. St. Anne's 
rector, Lisa Hunt, and its lay leadership have already met with 
the Trinity leaders to share their experience and insights on 
working through insurance and reconstruction issues. Herlong noted 
that moral and financial support for the two Episcopal churches 
hit last April was received literally from all over the world.

A tornado assistance fund has been set up by the Episcopal 
Diocese of Tennessee, 50 Vantage Way, Suite 107, Nashville, TN 
37228. Information also is available at the diocesan web site: 
www.episcopaldiocese-TN.org

--Bill Dalglish is the former vicar of St. John's Church.

Episcopal News Service
Kathryn McCormick
(212) 922-5383
kmccormick@dfms.org
www.ecusa.anglican.org/ens