A South Carolina Baptist church has been recognized for stepping up to the plate to help its community during a moment of crisis.
Jeff Sifford, right, accepts an award from former Darlington County School District superintendent Jimmy Newsom for the the church’s role in providing classroom space for children following a tornado last year.Last April 25, on a Sunday, a tornado tore through the Darlington area. In addition to the damage done to homes and businesses, the tornado ripped the roof off a building at Cain Elementary School.
“Almost before the rain had stopped,” according to a press release from the Darlington County School District, the minister and several members of the congregation of First Baptist Church offered their church education building for the students.
On Monday morning, they opened their doors to teachers and helped them set up temporary classrooms. On Tuesday, they welcomed 350 children into their classrooms, fellowship hall, cafeteria and playground.
They allowed Cain staff members to take over their library for a school office. Throughout the week, the congregation of First Baptist “provided safe and comfortable classroom space for the children, unwavering support for the staff and prayers and hugs for everyone.”
On Dec. 3, the church was presented the 2010 Jimmy Howard Newsom Signature Award by the school district for “making a significant, positive impact” in the community.
Minister of music Jeff Sifford accepted the award for the church and said church members and staff were more than happy to lend a hand. He said church members experienced a few empty-nest pangs when the students went back to their school.
“It was a great week, and we hated to see them go,” Sifford said.