Avenue K Church of Christ Revived From Ike’s Ravagings
http://www.aframnews.com/html/interspire/articles/1093/1/Avenue-K-Church-of-Christ--Revived-From-Ikes-Ravagings/Page1.html
Jesse Simon
Jesse Simon is staff photographer for AAN&I.By Jesse Simon
Published on 11/4/2009
GALVESTON- Hurricane Ike made its final landfall over the area as a strong category 2 Hurricane, with category 4 equivalent storm surges, on Sept. 13, 2008. The mayor and leaders of the city called for a total evacuation. Avenue K. Church of Christ, 5501 Avenue K, the only predominantly Black C.O.C in Galveston, was ravaged by the storm.
GALVESTON- Hurricane Ike made its final landfall over the area as a strong category 2 Hurricane, with category 4 equivalent storm surges, on Sept. 13, 2008. The mayor and leaders of the city called for a total evacuation. Avenue K. Church of Christ, 5501 Avenue K, the only predominantly Black C.O.C in Galveston, was ravaged by the storm.
Four feet of saltwater soaked the small white-framed structure. Bro. Roy Osbourne, minister for 40-plus years, evacuated and was unable to return to Galveston when City leaders allowed the residents back. “Its bad,” said member Velma Williams. “When we looked around, we were so disheartend, I don’t know how we’ll ever be able to bring it up to code”.
When the Churches of Christ Brotherhood in Houston, realized their sister church was going to be lost if something quickly was not done, the body was called into action. Spearheaded by Bro. Thester Maloy Sr., minister, Fidelity C.O.C, began to call the churches together.
Funds began to come in from all over the United States. Brothers with expertise and experience came onboard, such as Nat Smith and Abe Green, Palm Center; Michael Woodard and John Robinson, Sr., Fidelity; and Harvey Davis, Impact Houston. Other churches included Fifth Ward, South Union, Missouri City, Kashmere Gardens, Darien Loop, Shady Acres, BrookHaven and Scenic Woods.
All congregations did their part. Last reported funds accumulated were $55,000.The renovation is now complete. The church reopened for worship and a Gospel meeting was held last month.
Photos:
1. Theaster Malloy Sr. and Marv Thorn
2. Harvey Davis
3. John Ellis and John Whitley
4. James Rivers and L.C. Parker
5. John Robinson Sr.
6. Fred Holland
Four feet of saltwater soaked the small white-framed structure. Bro. Roy Osbourne, minister for 40-plus years, evacuated and was unable to return to Galveston when City leaders allowed the residents back. “Its bad,” said member Velma Williams. “When we looked around, we were so disheartend, I don’t know how we’ll ever be able to bring it up to code”.
When the Churches of Christ Brotherhood in Houston, realized their sister church was going to be lost if something quickly was not done, the body was called into action. Spearheaded by Bro. Thester Maloy Sr., minister, Fidelity C.O.C, began to call the churches together.
Funds began to come in from all over the United States. Brothers with expertise and experience came onboard, such as Nat Smith and Abe Green, Palm Center; Michael Woodard and John Robinson, Sr., Fidelity; and Harvey Davis, Impact Houston. Other churches included Fifth Ward, South Union, Missouri City, Kashmere Gardens, Darien Loop, Shady Acres, BrookHaven and Scenic Woods.
All congregations did their part. Last reported funds accumulated were $55,000.The renovation is now complete. The church reopened for worship and a Gospel meeting was held last month.
Photos:
1. Theaster Malloy Sr. and Marv Thorn
2. Harvey Davis
3. John Ellis and John Whitley
4. James Rivers and L.C. Parker
5. John Robinson Sr.
6. Fred Holland