Wednesday service was cut short.
As the clock approached 6 p.m. on May 22, ominous clouds gathered in the sky above Dyess Grove Baptist Church, located southeast of Temple. Despite the looming threat, eight congregants had assembled for the midweek service, determined to proceed as planned.
However, their resolve was tested when emergency alerts blared from their phones around 6:20 p.m. Pastor Steve Goode swiftly made the decision to cut the service short, and they evacuated the church premises just moments before disaster struck. A tornado tore through the building, ripping off one side of the worship space, leaving it exposed to the elements.
In the aftermath, the church faced challenges in securing the damaged structure. Despite initial efforts by the insurance company to cover the roof with a tarp, the exposed end remained vulnerable due to the structure’s unique design. A team from Texans on Mission (TXM), comprising volunteers from Georgetown and Abilene, stepped in to assist.
Led by Mike Pickel from Crestview Baptist Church in Georgetown, the TXM team devised a solution to mitigate further damage. They reinforced the compromised ceiling and strategically tarped the exposed end to minimize water intrusion, acknowledging the limitations posed by the absence of a supporting structure.
The harrowing experience didn’t end with the destruction of the church building. Pastor Goode and his wife, Linda, narrowly escaped the tornado’s path, enduring a perilous journey as they sought safety. Their truck was tossed about as they navigated the treacherous terrain, but by the grace of God, they emerged unscathed.
The devastation wrought by the tornado was evident the following morning when Larry Cooksey surveyed the damage. Tombstones lay toppled, fences were mangled, and debris littered the landscape, bearing witness to the ferocity of the storm.
Despite the physical loss, the spirit of the congregation remained resilient. Gathered on a makeshift altar beside the ravaged building just four days later, they found solace in their faith and the presence of visitors who joined them in solidarity. Pastor Goode expressed confidence in their collective ability to overcome adversity, believing that their church would continue to serve as a beacon of hope in the community.
As they grappled with the uncertain road ahead, one thing remained certain: the unwavering faith of Dyess Grove Baptist Church would guide them through the challenges, inspiring them to persevere and trust in God’s providence.