CLEVELAND (WJW) – It’s been a long road after an EF-1 tornado caused $4 million worth of damage at New Life at Calvary on August 24, 2023. But church leaders say great progress is being made in the long-term recovery and renovation of the historic church.
“It pulled us together as a congregation in our determination to move forward,” Pastor Emeritus Rick Gillespie-Mobley said.
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The tornado caused extensive damage to the roof, rooms were destroyed, and pieces of brick were broken to bits. But church leaders would not let the twister break their spirit.
“A little frustrating in that things have not moved along as rapidly as we had hoped they would,” he said. “But overall, our faith is stronger, and our determination is as great as ever.”
A temporary roof has been placed and the building has been deemed structurally sound, but issues with a contractor have slowed down a permanent fix for the roof.
“We do have to get this roof on, obviously, before winter gets here,” Gillespie-Mobley said. “That’s our top priority.”
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When the tornado hit, it blew hazardous materials, primarily asbestos and lead, all throughout the church except for in the gymnasium. Here in the sanctuary, it’s taken a lot of cleaning and now they’re getting ready to put the carpet down again.
“We’re looking to move into the sanctuary after we get the carpeting and the cushions for the pews,” he said.
Church service has been moved to the gymnasium for the better portion of the last year, giving the congregation a place to worship despite the challenges.
Gillespie-Mobley said there is a long road ahead still but is confident things will continue to progress.
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“We feel as though we are on the right move,” he said. “We’re moving in the right direction. We’re doing what God is calling us to do, and we’re still impacting lives for Christ. And that’s why we are here on the corner in the first place.”
The church has received more than $300,000 in donations raised mostly from other churches but is still fundraising to meet a $2 million goal to restore the church to its former glory. Those interested in contributing to recovery efforts can do so at this link.
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