Rome's skyline has changed since an EF-2 tornado tore through the city in July.

A few churches that helped shaped that skyline lost their roofs.

What You Need To Know

  • Rome's skyline has changed since an EF-2 tornado tore through the city in July

  • One of the impacted churches, the First Presbyterian Church of Rome, still had a regular attending congregation

  • The hope is to repair the damage so it can be active within its walls again

One of the churches, the First Presbyterian Church of Rome, still had a regular attending congregation.

“The Church is the people of God. And although the building is so important to us, while the building sustained damage, the people of God, the people of First Presbyterian Church, are still standing," said Rev. Edwina Landry.

Among the shocking and upsetting images of Rome after July's tornado ripped through the city was that of the First Presbyterian Church.

“I was only one day into a week-long vacation; I was hoping to finally take this year. And then I started getting calls and so finally I answered. I couldn't believe my ears. I couldn't believe that the church sustained such heavy damage and that the steeple was gone," Rev. Landry said.

Landry said thankfully no one was in the sanctuary at the time.

“The fact that nobody got hurt or killed in the whole city of Rome is truly miraculous," said Landry.

The church is involved with many activities.

Obviously, the building isn't able to be used right now, but the hope is to repair the damage so it can be active within its walls again.

“We certainly haven't gotten figures back from the insurance company yet, but that certainly is our hope that we will rebuild," said Landry.

Zion Episcopal Church opened its doors to the congregation, and that's where they're meeting now.

“We're just so grateful that Zion has opened their doors to us. Trinity UCC Church has also been helping out," Landry said.

Rev. Landry is not just feeling the effects of the tornado from the church and her congregation, but her home was also damaged.

Still, she remains faithful.

“I don't believe that God causes tragedies, suffering, pain. But we do believe that God can bring out of those tragedies some wonderful opportunities and some good," Rev. Landry said.

Landry said the congregation is still actively volunteering in the community.

The First Presbyterian Church posts information about its meeting times and location on its Facebook page.