HAPPY, Texas -- Following a string of tragedies that destroyed First Baptist Church one year ago, members happily filled the pews of the congregation's new $1.5 million building.
The Amarillo Globe-News reported an undisclosed number of donations from around the country helped the church rebuild after a tornado that killed two people tore the roof off and a fire weeks later gutted the building.
The newspaper reported that construction started in August. Total Restoration Services of Waco, Texas, completed construction despite a shortfall in insurance money. The news report did not indicate how much is owed, but the Rev. Paul Burwash said he expects the remainder of the money will come from litigation between the insurance company and the roofing contractor allegedly responsible for the fire.
Members were back in the pews Easter Sunday although some work still needs to be completed.
"We weren't quite ready to get in," Burwash, mentioning some incomplete work on the parking lot, landscaping, plumbing, electrical and sound system. But that didn't stop about 200 people from packing the church on April 21.
"Everybody's been looking forward to it for a year," he said. "It feels like home again."
The building committee took advantage of the opportunity to recreate the church in a way that would better serve its needs. An expanded church sanctuary, smaller Sunday school classrooms and relocated church offices replaced large rooms and long hallways.
