HISTORIC WASHINGTON CO. CHURCH FORCED TO REBUILD

  

Work is underway to try to repair a historic Washington County church, severely damaged in the recent flooding.

Goodwill Baptist Church, on FM 1155 in Old Washington, was destroyed by the recent flooding. Part of the building was completely lifted from its foundation and flooded with up to five feet of water.

Church deacon Tommie Sullivan says the entire cafeteria was moved some 10-to-12 feet by the flooding, and the sanctuary was completely flooded.

Deacon Karl Johnson says the church has been working with FEMA, but the cost of rebuilding the over 200 year old church could be as high as half-a-million dollars because the entire church would have to be rebuilt.

Church officials say that while they have insurance, they didn't have flood coverage.

In the meantime, the church plans to meet on Sundays at a member’s family home, but leaders say they hope that change is only temporary.