Far Rockaway Church Services Go On Despite Storm Damage
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Church services have been held at an elementary school in Far Rockaway, since two nearby churches suffered serious damage in the flooding from superstorm Sandy.
Flood waters destroyed the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.
WCBS 880's Monica Miller reports
Podcast
"Very bad shape. Water damaged the walls, floors, everything," senior Pastor Rev. Larry Shell told WCBS 880's Monica Miller. "All we did was just relocate from the building but we brought the church with us."
Shell said the church took on about seven feet of water in the flooding.
The church has been holding services at the auditorium of nearby P.S. 42 on Beach 66th Street.
"We have it up until the end of this month and then hopefully, with God's help, we might be back in our church in five weeks," Shell said.
1010 WINS' Carol D'Auria reports
Podcast
Public Advocate Bill de Blasio spoke to the congregation on Sunday.
He said the city will do what it can to ensure the church has access to public spaces for worship.
"Beyond being pillars of the community, they're providing a crucial role in the relief efforts and helping families back on their feet and if they don't have a building to work out of, they can't do that," de Blasio told Miller. "I'm someone who believes that public spaces like public schools should be available for them to rent out like any other non-profit."
Hundreds in the area right around the church are still without power.
P.S. 42 has been serving as the temporary home for New Hope and for Macedonia Baptist Church in the aftermath of Sandy.
Please share your comments below...
