(WKYT) – Redeemer Lutheran Church held a dedication service Thursday after rebuilding from a tornado that destroyed the building last year.
The church on U.S. 27 in Somerset sustained severe damage. A hymn book was found opened to a page about a “night of doubt and sorrow” after the twister rolled through the night of May 16.
“We had light 22 here in our foyer. We had part of Hardee’s and Speedway in here,” said Sandy Schuldeisz of Redeemer Lutheran Church.
The church was destroyed. Many said rebuilding could not be done and did not make sense.
“They are basically lining up for us to sell the property. We are premiere property on 27. Millions of dollars (in value for the land),” Schuldeisz said.
Insurance was not going to pay enough. But donations came in.
“Some people would describe it as a miracle. I would probably ‘amen’ that. Because no one gave us much of a chance,” said Doug Couch of Redeemer Lutheran Church.
McDonald’s workers gave $650.
“Are people making $10 an hour, they can’t afford it. And they gave us $650,” Couch said.
The pastor said once they realized the level of donations received, they were able to pay some of it forward to needs in Laurel County.