Churches draw closer to recovery as rebuilding moves forward

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September 9, 2012

Churches draw closer to recovery as rebuilding moves forward

By Ashley Graves The Cullman Times The Cullman Times Sun Sep 09, 2012, 10:49 AM CDT

CULLMAN — There’s been an abundance of activity at the site of East Side Baptist Church’s new home in recent weeks.

Heavy machinery moving and hauling dirt. Construction workers doing prep work for a foundation to be poured.

It’s a site that’s never looked so good to Pastor Ken Allen.

“I’ve had a tough time keeping my feet on the ground just seeing a backhoe on the property,” he said.

Though ground is broken, Allen and his congregation are celebrating another launching point in the rebuilding of their church with a groundbreaking dedication service at 6 p.m. today. Church services at East Side came to a stop almost a year and a half ago when an EF-4 tornado tore through downtown Cullman, destroying every building in its path, including the church’s structure. Since then, they’ve been holding services at Christ Covenant.

“These last 10 months have kind of served as a countdown for us,” Allen said. “Not only as a rebuilding of the church, but as the start of our clear vision going forward in ministry.”

Allen said the church was in talks of renovating the old building months before the tornado hit, but due to a lack of space, leaders didn’t know how they were going to get it accomplished. He added they made sure those additions were put into the new plans.

“One of the big things we were in need of was a larger gathering area,” Allen said. “So in the new plans, we made sure we had an ample space for gatherings.”

If the weather cooperates, Allen said their target completion date is set for June of 2013.

Meanwhile, several blocks over, Pastor Sandy Niiler of Christ Lutheran is in a similar situation with her congregation. Like East Side, their church too, located at the intersection of 2nd Ave. and 5th Street SE, was leveled to rubble in the tornado. Contractors have already poured the slab on their old property and are in the process of putting up the walls. Currently they’re holding services in the chapel at Sacred Heart Convent.

“It’s a rejuvenating feeling to see things going up,” Niiler said. “Getting the slab poured symbolizes we have a clean base. Everything now is becoming a reality, and not just a bunch of talk.”

Niller added so far every bit of work that has been done has been performed by local companies.

“That’s wonderful,” she said. “People are giving their heart to help rebuild Cullman. Everyone has been so patient with us. A year ago, I said we were still in shock, and now, there’s still that unsettled feeling, but it’s a different one.”

Though there won’t be any stained-glass windows or any new additions, Niiler said the new church would have more of a historic design, much like the first church.

“It will be the same building with a twist,” she said.

Niiler met with officials last week to discuss a possible timeline for moving into the new building. As of now, she said it would be late winter or early spring.

“We’ve felt a lot of energy from the city, and that comforts us and keeps us on task,” Niiler said. “Cullman is a special place.”

* Ashley Graves can be reached by phone at 734-2131, ext. 225, or by email at agraves@cullmantimes.com

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Churches draw closer to recovery as rebuilding moves forward

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