GREELEYVILLE, S.C. (WBTW) – Rising from the ashes was the message Pastor John Taylor gave to those who attended church service at Mount Zion AME Sunday morning.
“Ashes is nothing but a symbol of mourning and suffering,” said Taylor as he stood among the crowd.
But there wasn’t much mourning throughout the service, instead people were clapping their hands and singing songs of praise.
Myra Moore-Edmunds has generations of family members who attended the church and says the first time the church burned took a toll on her family.
“To have it happen again 20 years later is really heavy. That’s why I’m here today,” says Edmunds.
The mayor is now allowing the church to use the community center for as long as they need.
Pastor Taylor says he and the church members are appreciative of all the community support.
“I’ve got some folks who’ve reached out to us that they have some churches that may be open that they would offer. So we are hoping to talk with the members and see whether or not we can get in one of them and be stationary,” said Taylor.
It’s a step in the right direction for members.
Edmunds says it doesn’t matter that the church is burnt, we can have church anywhere.
A lesson the church learned 20 years ago when it burned down for the first time, so once again, they will rebuild.
“We do want to rebuild again in some form or fashion, we must,” mentioned Taylor.
It’s a project that will take some time and money.
Taylor says, we need to see what kind of finances we have.
But he says overall its humbling to know that there are people who care.
“This has really brought I think this church congregation and myself back to know that people do actually care and when people care about you and help you, it gives you a greater incentive,” adds Taylor.
Pastor John Taylor says the church has set up a fund at the First Citizens Bank and all donations can be made payable to the Mount Zion AME church rebuilding fund.
