From the Worldwide Faith News archives www.wfn.org


Churches, communities assess damage from tornadoes


From "NewsDesk" <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>
Date Mon, 5 May 2003 17:10:35 -0500

May 5, 2003  News media contact: Joretta Purdue7(202)546-87227Washington
10-71B{269}

By United Methodist News Service

Communities from western Texas to Georgia were assessing damages May 5 after
tornadoes struck the south central and southeastern United States, leaving at
least 35 people dead.

United Methodist officials in some states gave preliminary reports on the
damages in their communities, even as the assessment - and the storms -
continued.

Pierce City, Mo., was devastated by a tornado May 4. Not one business or
house in the small town was undamaged. Officials are reporting that the
pastor there is OK, and a conference staff member was on his way to lend
assistance. Communications are much impaired.

The new Carl Junction (Mo.) United Methodist Church was demolished. About 25
people in the church were unhurt. The community is near Joplin.

Two sides of the Stockton (Mo.) United Methodist Church - northwest of
Springfield, Mo. - were taken out by the storms. Members of the youth group,
who had been at the church, were evacuated to nearby homes, where they rode
out the storm safely in various basements.

Forty people took shelter in the basement of Battlefield (Mo.) United
Methodist Church, south of Springfield. The condition of the church is not
known, but the house next door was destroyed.

Churches in other areas of Missouri, including Kansas City, are known to have
wind and water damage. Many homes were damaged in Kansas City and suburbs,
including those of church members. The Ozark Methodist Manor, the church's
retirement home in Marionville, Mo., received minor wind damage.

In Crawford County in southeastern Kansas, four people died, including one
United Methodist. One of the parsonages was damaged when the chimney fell on
the roof. The Parsons District disaster trailer was deployed to Arma, Kan. 

Cherokee County, also in southeastern Kansas, had three fatalities, including
a United Methodist. Many church members suffered damaged homes and
businesses.

Hard-hit Jackson, Tenn., reported 11 dead and many injured after a tornado
during the night of May 4. The Memphis Annual (regional) Conference
headquarters, several miles from downtown Jackson, was not damaged, but the
Jackson United Methodist Church in downtown was damaged. Mother Liberty CME
Church, also downtown, was destroyed.

Power poles were broken off, and a lack of power and water pressure has
officials concerned. Additional storms were sweeping the area throughout May
5.

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United Methodist News Service
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