The Tennessean recounts how churches are working to recover from the recent Cumberland River flooding.
St. George’s Episcopal Church and Rose of Sharon Primitive Baptist Church have a lot more in common than you think. Both have generations of families who depend on them. Both are deeply loved. And Nashville’s flood of 2010 tore into both.
St. George’s Episcopal Church, opened in 1949, is well-known even to people who don’t go there because of its location at 4715 Harding Road and its outreach ministries. It’s a popular pick for weddings and funerals.
Water began streaming down the aisle during the 7:30 a.m. Sunday service.
“We were literally in the Eucharist prayer,” said the Rev. R. Leigh Spruill, rector.
Six inches of water quickly spread through the church. About 25 people rushed to save most of the church’s art and treasures.
Within hours, touching offers of help came from other churches. The Temple will host St. George’s children and nursery Sunday morning. The Nashville Bank and Trust will be used for parking and to stage shuttles.
Deep grief, Spruill said, is felt for three deceased members. Three church employees live in Bellevue, and have flood damage at home.
Episcopal News Service also reports:
According to news reports, family, friends and church members found their car the next day with the doors closed and the windows rolled up. The Rutledges’ bodies were found a few hours later behind two different grocery stores in the area.
“While it is not our custom to conduct funeral services on Sunday, given the unusual circumstances of this week, as well as the nature of when and how these two beloved members perished, it is felt that this Sunday morning will be a very special time and way to honor the Rutledges,” the Rev. R. Leigh Spruill, St. George’s rector, told the congregation via the church’s website. The 11:15 a.m. service on May 9 will follow the Rite II Burial of the Dead with Eucharist, Spruill said. There will also be two services earlier in the morning.
We posted earlier about how Episcopal Relief and Development is responding and how you can help.