By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Of all the damage caused by the July 16 storm that ripped through Great Bend, perhaps none was more notable than roof damage to First Southern Baptist Church across from the Great Bend Middle School at 19th at Harrison. Strong winds ripped the roof from the building, and the hail and run that followed caused more damage inside. Pastor Tim Singleton said progress continues to reopen the church.
"Sourcing materials has always been an issue," he said. "We're not the only people affected by a storm. Everybody needs a roof. Everybody needs windows. Everybody needs repairs. We're on a list just like everybody else. We're pleased that progress is being made, and we have really good people doing really good work for us."
Engineers said the structure needed to be reinforced by pulling the roof back and installing new decking. Singleton hopes the work will completed by Easter. With Christmas just days away and no building, church services are moving downtown to the Crest Theater on Christmas Eve.
"Anybody and everybody is welcome at 6 p.m. Christmas Eve at the Crest," Singleton said. "It will be a candlelight service - lots of Christmas singing and some unique elements."
The July 16 storm packed winds exceeding 80 miles per hour and hail up to softball size. Barton County, USD 428, and the city of Great Bend also continue to work through the damage.
