CULPEPER, Va. -
It has been a year since an earthquake devastated much of this region. A historic church in Culpeper, Va. suffered more than $500,000 in damage. But against all odds, the doors of Saint Stephens Episcopal are open again.
Parishioner Billy Green remembers the sinking feeling in his chest as he made his way through Culpeper to the church where both he and his daughter were married.
"You worry about the structural stability of the building first, and then you start to think about the individual things that the congregation cares about, that have sentimental value," Green says.
Green is no longer just a life-long member of the church. He is the project manager in charge of restoring it to its original glory.
The 16 stained glass windows had to be treated with the lightest touch. A crew from Front Royal removed each one, piece by piece, and repaired them.
The organ was another big challenge. It had to be removed and repaired too.
And now, a year since the quake, the renovations are nearly complete. The church held a rededication ceremony on August 12.
"The church was full. It was so nice to be in the church again," says Green.
And in July of 2014, the congregation will celebrate consecutive Sunday service No. 10,400. Even the earthquake couldn't keep them from getting together to worship. Sometimes in the parish hall, or elsewhere, but always together, every Sunday.
And now, being back under the same old roof, filled with decades of memories, will make it that much more special.
