Church sees chance to make things new

               Photo by Margaret Smart   

Losing roof shingles and the cross from he top of its steeple was just the tip of the iceberg in damage to Woodlands UMC from
Hurricane Irene. Adjusters estimate the cost of damage at $150,000.     

TAMARAC — As an insurance adjuster was examining the damage to Woodlands United Methodist Church here after last month’s Hurricane Irene, he told the Rev. Margaret Smart he didn’t think the church needed new pews. But as he sat down on one of the water-soaked seats, it collapsed underneath him.

“He said, ‘Thank you, Lord. I needed a sign,’ ” Smart said. “Now people at the church are saying, ‘We’re getting new pews. Let’s make them comfortable.’ The people think of this like they’re getting a new church.”

Woodlands United Methodist Church was one of the most severely damaged churches in the conference, according to Robert Wray, a property and liability adjuster with Orlando’s Gallagher Bassett Services, a service agency that processes self-insurance claims for the conference. He said it will cost about $150,000 to repair the damage.

“The roof is going to cost $33,000 plus…,” Smart said. “The pews are going to cost $55,000 plus to replace. We just found out our carpet can’t be cleaned and has to be replaced.”

Smart has also been told by adjusters working in Broward County that the 28-year-old church is one of the most severely damaged buildings in the county.

Hurricane Irene blew off many of the church’s shingles and the cross from the steeple. Water coming in through the roof caused extensive damage to the interior. And the cedar ceiling over most of the sanctuary is wet. Smart fears that may collapse.

“The altar is soaked. There’s two inches of water in the piano,” she said. “All of our hymnals and Bibles have been destroyed.”

She has also found water in electric lines and lighting fixtures throughout the sanctuary.

The remnants of Tropical Storm Katrina didn’t help the situation, bringing more rain, more damage and delays to starting repairs.

Smart said she doesn’t think the sanctuary will be usable until next Easter. In the meantime, the church’s 55 active members are meeting in the fellowship hall.

Smart says all the water in the church hasn’t dampened church members’ spirits, however.

“The love of the Lord is really here,” she said, “even as we heard the water dripping from the ceiling during worship.”

The biggest fear now is that insurance won’t cover all the expenses of rebuilding.

“This is a stumbling stone, not a block,” Smart said.

Smart says most of the work will require professionals. She hopes other churches in the conference will pray for Woodlands and possibly provide some financial help.

For more information on how to help Woodlands United Methodist Church, call the church at 954-721-1560.

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