It was a miracle.
A tornado struck O’Zion Baptist Church in Meadville, Mississippi, over the weekend, causing significant damage and leaving the congregation relying on their motto, “Small church, big heart,” as they prepare for their second rebuilding effort after a similar disaster. The storm, part of a broader weather system impacting the South, hit on Saturday night, severely damaging the church, which has been a part of the community since 1917. The tornado also sent the church’s steeple flying into nearby trees, leaving the church in ruins.
Amid the destruction, a small, untouched area of the church floor stood as a symbol of hope. Church members Rick and Diane, who sought shelter in that spot, were unharmed, with Rick noting they emerged without a scratch or speck of dust. While the loss is devastating, the church remains hopeful, keeping faith in God’s guidance for their future.
This isn’t the first time O’Zion Baptist has faced such devastation. A similar tornado struck the church in 1934, and nearly 90 years later, another storm has caused havoc in the area. Despite the overwhelming loss, church secretary Phyllis Daniels Whittington expressed optimism, believing that God has a plan to help them through this difficult time.
Despite the severe damage to the church building, the congregation held Sunday service outdoors near the wreckage. Plans are being made for members to gather at another location while they begin the process of rebuilding. The weekend’s tornadoes also caused widespread destruction across the region, including Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, leaving many without power and resulting in at least four fatalities.
The National Weather Service is surveying the damage to assess the tornadoes’ strength, including the one that struck Franklin County, where O’Zion Baptist Church once stood. The church community is focused on rebuilding and finding strength in their faith as they recover from this tragic event.