PHOTOS: Eastland First Baptist Church steeple damaged by high winds

EASTLAND, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Many in the Big Country woke up to the sound of damaging winds and severe thunderstorms that rolled through the area overnight. At Eastland First Baptist Church, located at 405 South Seaman Street, significant damage was reported. The fiberglass steeple was knocked off and fell near the roadway. Clint Coffee, a deacon for 10 years and finance committee member, was among the first to hear about the damage early this morning.

“I first heard this morning, bright and early, when our pastor said he heard a giant crashing noise from his house over at the parsonage. So when I woke up this morning, there were several pictures on my phone of our giant steeple out in the roadway. You can see it from all over town. So, we were really sad to lose it,” explained Coffee.

In terms of what comes next, Coffee added the church is currently facing a high deductible with its insurance.

“I think our next step is going to be that we have a lot of shingles that are off as well, so we’re going to have to patch those up and go up there. There’s still a little bit of the base left. So, we’re going to have to take all that off and figure out how to make sure that no water comes in for a little while, too,” added Coffee.

While it’s unfortunate to lose the steeple, Coffee reassures that they have everything under control and expresses gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community, including encouraging words and prayers.