Building demolition will give Alberta church a fresh start

Alberta Baptist Church, shown Thursday, is expected to be demolished starting this week. The building was one of 22 churches in Tuscaloosa County damaged or destroyed by the April 27 tornado.

TUSCALOOSA | Demolition is expected to begin this week on what remains of Alberta Baptist Church.

The building on University Boulevard was one of 22 churches damaged or destroyed by the April 27 tornado and one of the first to begin working with city planning officials to discuss reconstruction based on new building regulations and zoning requirements.

Church members said there were questions about whether to rebuild at all, relocate or even merge with another congregation. The church has been at 1761 University Blvd. E., a gateway to the Alberta community, for more than 90 years. Prayers and contemplation led to the congregation's decision to stay there.

It became obvious that we needed to be back in Alberta and Alberta needed us to be there, said John Matthews, who heads the church's long-range planning committee. This has been a disaster in every sense of the word, but it is an opportunity for a fresh start.

Although the building was destroyed, the church and its congregation are still strong, said building and grounds committee chairman Dan Turner.

In the days after the tornado, church members helped residents in Alberta find food, clothing and family members. Since then, church members have continued to provide assistance to the community from a trailer and tent in the church parking lot.

The congregation has been meeting at Open Door Baptist on McFarland Boulevard on Sundays.

We've had a wonderful ministry, Turner said. It's been a spiritual blessing to us.

The city's plans to improve the nearby Jaycee Park with an upgraded facility for the Boys and Girls Clubs of West Alabama, a BMX bicycle track, a playground, a baseball diamond and a three-court basketball gym will give the church an opportunity to be involved in those community activities, Matthews said.

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Building demolition will give Alberta church a fresh start