PULASKI COUNTY, Va. – For Tony Eads, the fire that destroyed the sanctuary at the Pulaski Church of God feels like it happened yesterday.
“It's a day I'll never forget. I have a small daughter who was born just eight days before the fire," Eads said.
For more than a year, pastor Donald Jones said the near 300-member congregation continued its services in what used to be a dining hall.
“It will go back to being a dining hall, but it has worked out very well for a temporary worship facility,” Jones said.
It's temporary because crews just broke ground for a new sanctuary and children's worship area Sunday morning.
Long-time member Marsha Scott is filled with joy.
“This church is part of my heritage. I have so many memories here,” Scott said.
Scott said the tragedy of the old sanctuary, which was a total loss of more than $2 million, only brought the church family closer together.
Eads hopes this weekend’s groundbreaking will send a message.
“I hope that the community sees what God can do through a tragedy,” Eads said.
Members of the congregation said they're excited about the construction, which begins Monday morning.