ELMORE COUNTY, AL (WSFA) -
Pastor Robert Williamson and the members of Mount Hebron East Baptist Church held their first service after the April 27th, 2011 tornado on a concrete slab, pretty much the only thing left of the 106 year old building. Once members wrapped their heads around what happened, they resolved to build a church twice the size of the original.
"Jay Wolf with First Baptist came up with the saying find the Lord's will and there is no bill," Williamson said. "And it's proving out that way."
The general contractor and the architect donated their time and resources. And monetary donations began to pour in from Elmore County and around the country, totaling more than $100,000.
"We've had a check for a thousand dollars, from as far away as a church in Nebraska. I already mentioned the 20 thousand dollars from First Baptist in Murray, Kentucky."
Construction began in earnest just after the first anniversary of the tornado. Since that time, volunteers from across the Southeast have come to help with the project.
"As the architect said to us, can't you see God wants this building here," Williamson said. "Because he's bring people from all over the place."
There's still more to be done: electrical work and insulation, doors and windows. The pews will follow in October. Until the project is finished, church members are attending service in a trailer provided by the Alabama Baptist State Convention. It's another gesture of kindness for a church which has had its faith rewarded with new hope.
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