Arkansas Church Rebuilding After Tornado

Members of a Baptist church in Hot Springs whose complex was destroyed by a tornado have started to rebuild.

Walnut Valley Baptist Church pastor Tim Forest tells the Sentinel-Record the church received an “adequate” settlement with its insurance carrier after the April 25 tornado. Forest says the settlement will allow the church to rebuild its facilities.

He says the initial reconstruction work began in the recreation hall. The tornado gutted a facility containing a gym and classrooms. Forest is hopeful that part of the project might be finished by Christmas, so church members can worship there. He says rebuilding the recreation hall will cost close to $1 million.

Rebuilding the church’s education building will cost about $300,000. It will take about $200,000 more to repair the church’s sanctuary.