Manahawkin Church Damaged By Tornado Holds Service In Tent

 Members of a Manahawkin church continue to make repairs after a small tornado damaged the roof, walls and ceiling.

Parishioners of the Manahawkin Baptist Church in Stafford Township held their service under a tent on Sunday.

An EF-0 tornado on Tuesday whipped winds up to 85 mph, damaging the church, toppling trees and shattering windows. 20 classrooms inside the school will have to be gutted after the roof collapsed and caused water to pour in.  When they got inside once the clouds cleared, four inches of water remained.  The church itself suffered severe damage inside the sanctuary.  No one was injured.

The Rev. Doug Welbourn tells the Asbury Park Press the tornado caused an estimated $250,000 worth of damage to the church.

A number of volunteers came forward last week to make repairs to the church building and grounds

Welbourn tells the Press that electricity should be restored this week. He says the congregation may need to hold services outside once more before returning to the building.

Jason Allentoff contributed to this report