Episcopal Press and News

Georgia's Episcopalians Contend with Disastrous Floods

Episcopal News Service. July 13, 1994 [94133D]

"The water is still rising, so much tragedy, but spirits are high -- much to do." In that short note to diocesan officials, the Rev. Tom Downs was describing the desperate flooding situation in Albany, Georgia. Through a modest newsletter he keeps people informed on developments and thanks them for their loving concern. In a day-by-day account of how the flood evolved, Downs said that, by Sunday, July 10, "We are the only church downtown which is able to have a Sunday morning worship. We invite everyone in the area to join us." The congregation included people from the shelter, reporters and visitors. The service was punctuated by the sound of helicopters evacuating people from the town. In surveying the scene, Downs reported that water was at the roof line at St. Mark's Church and over the roof at St. John's Church but the flood spared St. Patrick's and St. Paul's. "The cemetery near the river is flooded and coffins began to come out of the ground and float downstream," he said. In response to calls offering help, he pleaded for funds to feed and help those who have been forced out of their homes. And he added that "clean-up crews will be our second need-but not just yet." The Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief is accepting contributions and has already made emergency grants to the Diocese of Atlanta for $25,000 and to the Diocese of Georgia for $25,000.