- April 25, 2024
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The church's sign still encourages people to come to service, stating that their doors are still open (Photos by Emily Blackwood).
Gilbert Dudley Jr., has been attending Historic New Bethel A.M.E. Church for 54 years.
The church's 25-foot steeple came "tumbling down" after the hurricane.
"It's a miracle those didn't break," said Gilbert Dudley Jr., pointing to the stained glass windows on the side of the Historic New Bethel A.M.E. Church. "We're still alive."
Unfortunately, the church's steeple was not so lucky. The 25-foot structure was ripped off the church's roof, tumbled down the side of the building, finally landing on ground — where it still remains almost two months after the storm.
The church's roof suffered damage, along with the roofs of the church's building across South Yonge Street — which was where the church originally started in 1885 — and the parsonage, where newly installed Pastor Phyllis Brown was just starting to move in.
"I was assigned as pastor a week before the hurricane," she said. "I had one service there on Sunday, and that following Friday the hurricane hit."
Pastor Brown recently created a GoFundMe page to raise $70,000 to help repair the historic buildings and the parsonage. According to the page, the insurance company told the church that there is no coverage for hurricane damage and has refused to pay. Repairs need to start as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the interior of the buildings.
"I've found that the people in Ormond really care," Pastor Brown said. "There's been a lot of people who have come by, wanting to know how they can help. I'm looking forward to the time when we can restore the building so we can shine brightly for the lord.
Visit GoFundMe.com/historicnewbethelameormond to donate.
Upcoming food sale
FRIDAY, DEC. 2
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Historic New Bethel A.M.E. Church, 115 S. Yonge St. Cost is an $8 donation which will go to restoring the church. Party wings, rolls, pulled pork sandwiches, potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, and corn on the cob for sale. Will deliver five or more food orders. Call 677-8225.
