Reconstruction Underway For Tornado Ravaged 114 Year Old Century Church

March 18, 2018

Reconstruction is underway for the historic Century United Methodist Church, which was damaged beyond repair in the February 15, 2016,  EF-3 tornado in Century.

Pensacola architect Carter Quina designed the new church to look much like the old building. It will include windows, pews, light fixtures, woodwork and more salvaged from the old church.

The Century United Methodist  Church was built in 1902, just after Century was established by The Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company. It was constructed of virgin long leaf pine, with interior detail and finish that created a reverent place for worship.

For over 114 years, the sanctuary helped to provide comfort and inspiration to Century residents with weekly services, as well as special occasions such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals.

Time took its toll on the familiar old building, along with a fire and hurricanes. The February 15, 2016, EF-3 tornado that struck Century dealt a blow from which the building could not be recovered.  Many architectural details were salvaged before the structure had to be dismantled.

D&B Builders of Molino is the project’s general contractor.

A groundbreaking was held in late January; church members hope to be in the new church building by Christmas. Meanwhile, they are continuing to meet in their Annex Building across the street.

Pictured top: Reconstruction is underway for the historic Century United Methodist Church as seen on Saturday, March 18. NorthEscambia.com photo.


Comments

2 Responses to “Reconstruction Underway For Tornado Ravaged 114 Year Old Century Church”

  1. Julie Booth-Moran on March 21st, 2018 2:28 am

    So happy that the church is being rebuilt and so much of the original building will be in the new church. It’s going to be beautiful! I miss seeing it from the pharmacy window.

  2. Citizen on March 18th, 2018 2:57 pm

    Good News! Beautiful.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News