wfn.org | [PCUSANEWS] Florida hurricane demolishes two Presbyterian

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ECUNET.ORG>]

Note #8457 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

04365
August 16, 2004

Florida hurricane demolishes two Presbyterian churches

Relief teams are assessing denominational outreach in the aftermath of
'Charley'

by Jerry Van Marter and Alexa Smith

LOUISVILLE - Two Florida presbyteries are reporting serious damage after
Hurricane Charley blew across Florida's Gulf Coast this weekend - devastating
one Presbyterian church in Punta Gorda, where the hurricane hit land, and
another in North Fort Myers.

	Peace River Presbytery in North Port, FL, is reporting that two
churches were wiped out by the hurricane, which tore off rooftops, sheared
telephone poles, ripped trees from the ground and lifted sea crests to
disastrous levels.

	First Presbyterian Church in Punta Gorda was "devastated," according
to Alesia Sharpe, the presbytery's office manager, as well as the Chapel by
the Sea on Sanibel Island in North Fort Myers. The island is still
inaccessible; however,

	Five other churches in Peace River are reporting minimal to moderate
damage: First Church in Port Charlotte; First Church in Arcadia; Burnt Store
Presbyterian Church in Punta Gorda; Faith Church in Cape Coral; and First
Church in Fort Myers, where the cross was torn off of the steeple.

	Presbytery officials have spoken with all of the pastors in Peace
River. While the homes of many congregants have been damaged, no loss of life
has yet been reported. An assessment team will be heading into the affected
areas tomorrow.

	Tampa Bay Presbytery was hit by the storm as well, according to Susan
Snedeker-Meier, the associate executive. Snedeker-Meier said that five
churches in eastern Polk County were damaged, although most are being
appraised as minor to date.

	She said that Florida officials are estimating that 10-15,000 people
are homeless, including a significant number of farm workers. A presbytery
team is going this afternoon to Polk County to gather information.

	"It's wonderful to be part of a connectional system - at times like
this it really matters," she said.

	The storm rattled emergency officials Friday afternoon by changing
course, making an unexpected turn east and crashing into a string of beach
towns near Fort Myers. Florida Gov. Jeb Bush estimated Saturday that damages
could reach $15 billion.

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