About 90,000 Gallons Of Water Flood Church

Where carpet used to be, pieces of cardboard form steeping stones on the barren, sticky floor all throughout much of New Life Methodist Church in La Grange.

Sheetrock has been cut out from the lower walls all around the complex. During last month’s freeze, a halfinch water pipe in the ceiling just inside the north wall of the church busted, pouring an estimated 90,000 gallons of water one night into the church before the leak was found the next day.

“I came up here and I was in disbelief,” said Pastor Andy Smith. “I just couldn’t believe one pipe could flood a entire church. You could see a river of water coming down that ramp.”

“It was a disaster,” said church member Brenda Holcomb.

The folks from Serve Pro arrived and began the process of clean-up and recovery – armed with up to 200 drying fans. While they work through the insurance process and wait to rebuild, the church members have carried on as best they can. They are considering using the circumstances to do a larger-scale renovation of their sanctuary – something they’ve been putting off for years.

“Now would be the time,” Smith said.

They are holding services in the fellowship hall, the only area of the church complex not damaged by water.

“We’re getting up close and friendly in the fellowship hall,” Holcomb said.

“It’s a tight fit,” Smith admitted. But they are carrying on faithfully.

“The church has a great spirit,” Smith said. “People at this church were instrumental in the Hurricane Harvey recovery and have seen how this community can recover. Their spirits are not down. There’s no anger, no surrender, just great optimism.

“But they are ready to get back on our feet. This has disrupted so much in the life of the church.”