The Memorial Baptist Church unveils renovated sanctuary

One year to the day after flames nearly destroyed The Memorial Baptist Church’s facility, the sanctuary doors will finally reopen.
 
On a chilly Saturday night in 2007 – January 13 to be exact – flames leapt and smoke billowed from the building, as fire trucks poured thousands of gallons of water into the sanctuary to preserve its’ structure. This Sunday – again January 13 – members and guests will experience the final touches of the church’s multi-million dollar renovation.
 
“January 13 will always be a special day to our church,” said Pastor, Randy McKinney. “For a year, it has signified a day of sadness. Now, it will signify homecoming and renewal.”
 
Ashes smoldered and smoke drifted as Memorial’s congregation worshipped on the back lawn on Sunday, January 14. They then began a three-month tour of other area churches for afternoon services each week. After an Easter service on their own church grounds, TMBC members spent five months sharing space with Immanuel Baptist Church while repairs continued. They returned home in September to a partially restored facility, and have used the fellowship hall for Sunday services, Wednesday night gatherings and other events. Now, things will get back to normal. The only item still missing is the pipe organ, which was destroyed. A new one is being constructed and should be in place later this year.
 
Memorial has typically held its’ “homecoming” celebration in mid-October. That was delayed until January this time. The church will gather for lunch after the service to celebrate.
 
“I can’t think of a more appropriate Sunday for homecoming than this one,” church member Jason Thomas commented.
 
Memorial will also host a special 7 p.m. service with the congregation of Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church. Cornerstone members arrived in droves to show their support as Memorial concluded the outdoor worship service on January 14, 2007. The two congregations – one largely Caucasian and one largely African American – merged as one in an emotional gathering behind the smoldering church a year ago. Memorial’s congregation also met twice at Cornerstone in the weeks following the fire.
 
Sunday morning’s service will begin at 10:55 a.m. There will be no “early service” this week.
 
The Memorial Baptist Church is located at 1510 Greenville Boulevard, Southeast, near the intersection with 14^th Street. For more information, contact the church office at 756-5314, or visit www.tmbc.org.