Trinity Episcopal Church in Mobile, Alabama was badly damaged by the Christmas Day storm.
The Rev. Bailey Norman posted the following on the church’s website:
“To all of our friends, here in Mobile and elsewhere – Many of you have heard and have been calling checking on us in the aftermath of the tornado that has ripped through Mobile this evening. I will try to touch base with each of you individually, but I want to let you know first that Sara and I are okay. Our church, Trinity Episcopal, took a direct hit from the tornado and is likely a total loss. We have been told by the fire dept to stay away from the building as it has severe structural damage. We will return in the morning to survey the damage. We are so thankful that (so far) no one has been injured that we know of. We must soak all that has happened, but I believe in God’s grace to overcome any obstacle and I believe in the good folks at Trinity who will band together to face what is to come. Thanks to all of you for your thoughts, prayers, and concerns. I will keep you updated.”
Tonight, members of the church were saddened by the destruction. But they were thankful that no one was injured.
Just 24 hours earlier than when the tornado struck, Trinity was preparing to hold its Holy Eucharist for Christmas Eve.
“When I got there, I couldn’t believe it,” (member David C.) Webb said. “The small sanctuary” on the west side of the church, “was completely destroyed. The façade had just crumbled down and you could see the inside. I just stood there in awe.”
He thought the main sanctuary, with its tall, magnificent steeple was spared.
But then, he walked behind the church, and noticed “there was a gaping hole on the back of the church….
“It’s been around for so long and we just hold it dear to the family,” Webb said. “It’s sad. But I know that they will rebuild, and it will be beautiful again.”
Video footage to the damage to the church from Local 15 News