Robertsville, MO (KSDK)--There was a special service Sunday at a Franklin County church destroyed by a New Year's Eve tornado one year ago.
Repairs to Shiloh Baptist Church in Robertsville took seven months and the restoration work continues to this day.
However, the damage extends far beyond the church. The tornado took its toll on the entire community. Several nearby homes were damaged. Some homeowners had insurance. Others did not.
"It was more than simply the loss of physical things. People's spirits were down," said Senior Pastor George Fulgham.
This prompted a church deacon to go on a door to door mission. What he found started a movement.
"Some of our neighboring churches and friends donated gifts of monetary value and other gifts, so we became a clearinghouse," said Pastor Fulgham. "We established a separate account and with every penny we received we put it back into Robertsville."
Pastor Fulgham also thanked everyone for their prayers and donations. He hopes the experience gives other tornado survivors in the St. Louis area hope that there are better days ahead.
KSDK