Coden Church Forced Outdoors

Church Fire Members of Sweet Bethel Missionary Baptist Church are rebuilding after a fire and planning on holding services outside.

by Chad Petri

Published: Thu, June 18, 2009 - 4:17 pm CST Last Updated: Thu, June 18, 2009 - 4:52 pm CST

Amid the smoke stained bricks and broken windows, this church's mission still stands.

“There's a sweet spirit in this place and it is and always has been,” says Deacon Ossie McDougal. He has been a life-long member at Sweet Bethel. He says this is a huge loss to the community -- both physically and spiritually.

“It's been through quite a few storms and whatever and it survived but as of now we'll see what happens,” says McDougal. Starting this Sunday, church services will be held outdoors because, as the pastor says, it doesn't matter what's over their heads but what's in their hearts that matters.

“In spite of what has happened our members are constantly keeping touch with one another you know we gonna go on,” says McDougal. The church was founded in Bayou La Batre in 1913. Members say they're confident they can move on from such a big loss.

“Devastating impact on our community because we're a close knit church family and we just celebrated our 96 year anniversary and it's devastating,” says church member Clara Richey. She says they'll keep plugging away with their plans. In addition to still holding services this weekend, they'll also have a father's day meal for local dads. If you can help, you can donate to the church building fund through RBC Bank. If you have a large tent the congregation can use this weekend, you can give Pastor Darrel Jones a call at 251-591-0657.

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