DAWSON SPRINGS, Ky. (OSV News) — Eighteen months after devastating tornadoes ripped through western Kentucky, Resurrection Parish in Dawson Springs gathered people in the rain for a groundbreaking on the property where its church once stood.
Resurrection Church, severely damaged by the tornado, was deemed a total loss. After months of hard work, planning and adjustments, they finally gathered for a groundbreaking July 8. A new church will be constructed where the previous one stood.
Bishop William F. Medley of Owensboro noted in his homily that the parish was “aptly named” and noticed that the city of Dawson Springs has already begun its “resurrection,” rebuilding the homes and businesses destroyed.
For the past 18 months, parishioners have gathered for Mass at Rhonda and Donnie Mills’ shed on the property of their home, which was unscathed by the Dec. 10, 2021, storms. Rhonda Mills has “heard no complaints” about the setup, even when they celebrated first Communion under their carport. She said the community is “just glad to stay together.”
‘Rock I will build my church’
The groundbreaking event began with two Scripture readings and a homily by Bishop Medley. The sun shone through the clouds as the Gospel was proclaimed, “You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church” from the Gospel of Matthew. Bishop Medley then blessed the grounds with holy water and remarked that God had blessed the grounds a few minutes ago with the rain that cleared as the service began.
Next, a group composed of Bishop Medley, pastor Father David Kennedy, Deacon Mike Marsili, Rhonda Mills and Joe Carol Keller broke the ground, with each one holding a shovel.
Father David Kennedy expressed his gratitude for the support and generosity they have received from people all over the country. He said he has seen firsthand how this tragedy has “brought people together to be strong in Spirit.” His hope is that the faithfulness of the community will inspire generations to come.
Early diocesan projections have the church finished in summer 2024.
Rebuilding
According to a recent release assessing the tornado damage over a year later, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said that on the night of Dec. 10, 2021, the deadly tornadoes swept through western Kentucky caused an estimated $305 million in damage to homes, churches and businesses in Mayfield, Dawson Springs, Bowling Green and other communities.
In Mayfield alone — a city of 10,000 residents — city officials said the deadly tornadoes destroyed 257 homes and damaged another 1,000.. Most of its historic town center was destroyed.
But “families, businesses and communities are rebuilding,” said FEMA, which estimated that between $50 to $100 million in insurance payments have flowed into these communities helping homeowners and businesses “rebuild safer and stronger.” In addition, more than $75 million in federal assistance from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration has helped those with disaster-related needs not met by insurance or other assistance.
Riley Greif, digital media specialist for the Office of Communications in the Diocese of Owensboro, is a contributor to The Western Kentucky Catholic, the diocesan newspaper.
