BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va. (WCHS) — The roof of the gymnasium at Elmwood Baptist Church in Barboursville collapsed on Wednesday, leaving the future of services in doubt.
Members of the church said they have a congregation of more than 200 and although they've lost their gymnasium, they said nothing will stop them from holding services.
Heather Sanns has been part of the church her whole life and she said when her family got the call on Wednesday, they just hoped everybody was okay.
"Me and my family immediately headed up here, like well what's going on and it was kind of sad, but mostly just shock," Sanns said.
Although it's been four days since the collapse, members are still searching for answers.
"There's more questions than answers at this point still," Pastor Matt Waskey said.
Waskey said they got clearance to use the building from the state fire marshal because the gym is connected by a breezeway, making it two separate structures.
"Until we get some structural engineers and experts in to look at it, and even then, because of the mess, we may not know," Waskey said.
Waskey said they can no longer hold their basketball outreach program. The other activities usually held in the gym can take place outside while the weather is still warm.
"Church goes on, even if we had to meet at the elementary school or in a field or whatever, we would have met this morning and still had church," Waskey said.
Waskey said they're not sure when rebuilding will start, but they plan to fundraise once they hear back from their insurance company.
Church members said they're glad no one was hurt, and Waskey said he couldn't be more thankful for the support from the community.