Local Church Rebuilds After Being Destroyed By The Storm

LOUISVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- It has been nearly two years since a category F-4 tornado ripped through Louisville.

Along with homes and businesses, Calvary Apostolic Church was also damaged by the storm.

“I can remember exactly what was going on when it happened, we came up, someone called us and told us that the church was blown away,” said Sheryl Young, first lady of the church.

The wreckage the storm left behind caused church members to be without a church home for nearly two years.

“We lost everything on this ground. Three buildings, two vans, just totally destroyed,” said church Pastor James Young.

After having his church destroyed, Young said the church used buildings throughout the community just to keep their regular services going.

“We didn’t miss a service,” said Pastor Young.  “We were able to used The Strand which is a downtown theater, and we were able to use the courthouse on Wednesday night for bible classes, and it meant so much to keep the people together during those times.”

But thanks to hard work and dedication, Pastor Young and his congregation now have a church to call their own again.

Calvary Apostolic Church now stands tall in it’s new location on Beal Street, and the church was  built from the ground up.

“I’m probably a little in awe of the process because it turned out so beautiful,” said Pastor Young. “I can’t be more pleased with where we are, and we’re here to serve.”

Young said getting the new church back up and running was a long process.

“The facility that we have here, it’s up to par, it’s 100 percent safe, I mean from the fire systems to the alarm systems, it is a modern facility,” said Pastor Young.

On Sunday, the church held a church dedication ceremony.

During the ceremony, church members sang songs, and gave praise, thanking the Lord for their new church home.

“We have come back bigger and better, some tears in the middle, but hey, that’s life,” said Pastor Young.

“It’s such a blessing God really blessed us, he gave us double for our troubles,” said Mrs. Young.

Pastor Young said the new church is double the size of the old church.

He wants his church to be used as a resource and a staple in the community.