The Wichita Community Church, between Anadarko and Gracemont, was leveled by the EF-2 tornado and fierce straight-line winds that battered the area Wednesday night. Pastor Damon Smith and his father, Deacon George Smith, said the church’s history dates to the late 1800s when it was used to minister to and teach American Indians.
The church has gone through many incarnations over the years, with some renovations and improvements, but has been in nearly continuous operation since it was built. The Smiths said the American Baptist church’s three dozen members are determined to rebuild and maintain its legacy.
"We’ll just get together, stay strong in the Lord, clean up and move on,” Damon Smith said.
The church and its contents were not insured and are not covered by any American Baptist umbrella policies, but church officials hope they can get a cut of any government disaster relief aid that may be allocated to the county. George Smith said donations will also be needed.
"We’re going to put our trust in the Lord, and a lot of people are praying for us and encouraging us,” Smith said. "It’s almost like someone has passed on. But we are believers in Christ, and there will be a resurrection and a rebirth also.”
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