LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- (WDRB) The Henryville church that served as a major relief center in the days following the March 2 tornadoes is now getting help itself. Storm damage to the church is finally being repaired.
In the chaotic days following the storm, the parking lot here at St. Francis Catholic Church was filled with food, clothing and other storm relief. Now, it's mostly construction equipment.
Nearly 5 months after the tornado, the St. Francis Church is finally getting a makeover.
A close inspection weeks after the initial recovery effort, revealed just how close the church had come to total destruction.
"The center of it is where the chimney got picked up and dropped on the roof."
Fr. Steve Schaftlein says the roof had nearly collapsed. Four of the supporting trusses had completely broken.
"Fortunately they must have absorbed the energy. The force of the storm and the brick that fell on the roof just to the point that they did not collapse inward. Because if that had happened much more would have been damaged."
In fact, the building would have been too damaged to serve as the initial relief center; dispensing much-needed food, water and supplies.
"We were right next to Ground-Zero and the church was spared and, for us, that meant we had a purpose and a mission."
And, the church is still fulfilling that mission, purchasing two nearby properties that were damaged in the storm.
One has become the headquarters of the March 2 Recovery organization. The other being used as a work center for rebuilding homes.
"What you see here today for us is going to happen for many, many families over the next two years."
And even as it's getting a quarter-million dollar renovation, the church is still a church, holding mass in the basement.
"We felt from the very beginning we were spared for a reason. That is to help. To help others get back on their feet. Also to be a symbol of hope."
Construction should be finished by early September.
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