The 13th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, under the leadership of Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, presiding prelate is mobilizing human, financial and other resources in response to the recent wind, rain and extreme flooding in the state of Tennessee and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. A combination of wind and torrential rains turned interstates into raging rivers, created islands of housing divisions, flooded the NFL’s stadium, the Grand Ole Opry, Opryland Hotel, downtown Nashville and countless neighborhoods from Memphis to Louisville, and from Clarksville to Nashville.
More than a foot of rain in two days caused the Cumberland River and its tributaries to rise rapidly. Many people were caught off guard and were evacuated from homes, rooftops and hotels.
“At this moment, we know that at least 20 churches, one parsonage, and several education buildings have been damaged in Tennessee and Kentucky,” stated Bishop McKenzie. “We haven’t lost any churches yet. We really won’t know the extent of the damages until the water has completed receded. Some of our pastors still cannot get to church property because of flood waters.”
Many neighborhoods are still under water and without power. Several members of AME churches were evacuated from their homes, and members from nursing homes had to be moved to safer areas.
Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen has declared more than two-thirds of the state’s counties as disaster areas. At this time, President Obama has declared 4 counties in the Nashville area to receive federal disaster relief funds. Nashville Mayor Karl Dean has asked all Nashvillians to conserve water after one of two water treatment plants was flooded. Power is out in many areas and is not expected to be restored for another 3 to 5 days.
Supervisor Stan McKenzie has mobilized the Women’s Missionary Society, led by Ms, Lesa Halfacre, to assist in recovery efforts. They join the Lay Organization, under the leadership of Ms. Ana Johnson and Nehemiah Nation, the 13th District men’s service ministry, led by Rev. David Strong to provide assistance to AME Churches and members in the days to come.
In the Nashville area, St. Paul AME Church, located at 3340 West Hamilton Rd., Nashville, TN has been designated as a Flood Resource Center for the Haynes Park/West Hamilton Road and Bordeaux areas; Rev. Harold Love, Jr. is the pastor. St. Paul is partnering with Prince Hall Masonic Association to provide food and fresh water to residents and those involved in clean up effort. Lee Chapel AME Church, pastored by Rev. Edward L. Thompson, and Greater Bethel AME Church, pastored by Rev. Michael Broadnax, joined in the cleanup efforts immediately.
Flood Resource Centers are also in Columbia and Clarksville, Tennessee at St. Paul AME Church (Rev. James Walker, pastor) located at 405 Church St., Columbia, TN and St. Peter AME Church (Rev. Dennis Lawson, pastor) located at 518 Franklin St., Clarksville, TN. Water and non-perishable items can be delivered to these churches today through Thursday from 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM. Although power may not be restored for another 3 to 5 days, additional centers will be opened in critical areas to assist not only AME members but also the community at large.
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Financial donations for victims of the flooding in Tennessee and Kentucky can be sent to:
13th Episcopal District AMEC
500 8th Avenue South, Suite 201
Nashville, Tennessee 37203
or through online donation at www.13thame.com. |
