Church holds first service in new building since tornado

By: Rebekah Pewitt - Email

Updated: Sun 7:39 PM, Dec 16, 2012

HAGERHILL, Ky. (WYMT) - A church in Johnson County opened its doors Sunday for the first time since it was destroyed in the March tornado.

With brand new pews in place, a Sunday morning congregation filled each one.

December 16th was the first worship service held in the newly constructed Collista Freewill Baptist Church.

It was destroyed during a tornado in March.

“You know I'm not much of a fellow to cry, but I shed some tears because it just broke my heart to see our building destroyed,” said Pastor, Toby Johnson.

But for the past nine months, church members have worked to rebuild.

Members said most of the building looks the same, and they were excited to be in their church home.

“When we brought the seats in last Saturday and started fastening them down, and started doing little cosmetic things; it felt really good,” said member Darwin Baldwin.

They are giving all the credit to one person.

“I was elated, just to think what god can do, you know it’s amazing what god can do,” said Johnson.

The church basement is the only thing left to complete.

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