Help Rebuild Ragan Chapel
In Ohatchee, AL - the Biggest Little Town in the USA - Ragan Chapel United Methodist Church stood as a cornerstone of the community. Founded over 140 years ago, Ragan Chapel wasn't just a place to worship. It was a place where families were made and fellowship was shared freely.
On March 25th, 2021, Ohatchee was hit by an EF2 tornado which devastated many homes and businesses. 5 people lost their lives. And Ragan Chapel - a place that we all just took for granted would be there forever - was suddenly no longer.
(Photo Credit: Brea Douglas , WVTM13)
Many Ohatchee families had ties here, including those laid to rest over generations. It feels impossible that this chapter in the church's history is over, but we know that through the strength and faith of the people of Ohatchee, it can be rebuilt.
Today, we're asking for your help to get started. These funds will help cover cleanup costs, repairing the damage done to the gravesites, and hopefully start the rebuilding process.
Of course, we do not know yet what the full costs will be as this tragedy is still fresh and storms are still going across the region, making quotes for work difficult right now. But this is a place to start, and we would love it if you could help on this journey.
(Please note: Funds from your donations will be organized by Skyla Grimes, the granddaughter of the current lay minister, Danny Poss. He will work with the minister to distribute the funds as appropriate.)
RELATED ARTICLES AND MEDIA:
https://www.al.com/galleries/GV5BOLWDUBAT5N25R2RZTG5AKM/
https://www.gadsdentimes.com/picture-gallery/weather/2021/03/26/photos-after-tornado-hit-ohatchee/7010738002/
https://twitter.com/BreaWVTM13/status/1375455994243915813
https://www.wsfa.com/2021/03/25/calhoun-co-sheriff-least-dead-following-tornado-ohatchee/
https://www.wvtm13.com/article/alabama-tornado-3-dead-2-injured-in-calhoun-county-sheriff-says/35941031#
https://www.al.com/news/2021/03/am-i-still-here-caretaker-survives-as-142-year-old-alabama-church-is-destroyed-by-tornado.html
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/03/26/alabama-tornado-damage-photos-storms-ohatchee-birmingham/7009972002/
(and many, many more)
