WE LOVE BISHOP MORTON AND GREATER SAINT STEPHEN FGBC

After fire, members of Greater St. Stephen vow to rebuild

07:40 PM CDT on Monday, July 7, 2008

Scott Satchfield / Eyewitness News

Early Monday a fire at a Central City church left 7,000 thousand members searching for a new place to worship.

Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist First battled Hurricane Katrina, and now this, but members say that they will rebuild.

Firefighters arrived at the church shortly after 2:30 a.m. Some of the church administrators got the call a short time later.

"We drove up to a number of fire trucks and ambulances here, a lot of black smoke coming out of the church," Brandon Boutin said, who says he was raised here, and, for him, the situation is overwhelming.

"This church has been an anchor in the community for 70-plus years and, even after the storm, it's been more, just a sign of hope for so many people," Boutin said.

But the challenges ahead will be huge for congregation. Many of the church waited outside while their leader, Bishop Paul Morton, toured the building.

Pews inside were destroyed, so is the altar, leaving an uncertain future.

Church members have been surveying the damage, and while they don't know what will become of this facility, they say they're confident the church's mission will continue.

Members came by in large numbers, including Congressman William Jefferson, the most well-known member of the church, who stopped by to led his support.

"The church has had a significant role in our community and I believe it will continue to have that role and we certainly wish to do those things that are pleasing in God's sight," Gilbert Stampley, a church member, said

Bishop Morton says he's hoping for an easy transition.

"Well that's what we're working on right now to make sure that we get a facility that will hold us on Sundays and Thursdays, we have a very large bible study, so those things we're going to make sure that we're taken care of," Morton said.

Many of the congregation have already been through this situation after the church's New Orleans East branch flooded during Hurricane Katrina.

This, will be another trying time, but it's one they're willing to accept.

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[SHORTISPRINCESS]

The same way that GOD restored after Hurricane Katrina, he's going 2 restore to an even greater dimension after this fire. Just like he was there for Elijah after the wind died down, and the earthquake, and the fire, He'll be there for yall after this. Don't look at it as a tragedy, but a setup for something greater to take place. Stay blessed Bishop & Lady Morton. I pray that the blessings flow 2 bring your message 2 the world in an even greater way, b/c it's not about the edifice, but the msg

[mrscewood]

Bishop and Pastor Morton, our prayers are definitely with you. You all have come through so much, this is but a small thing. Keep standing, praising, and pressing. We are praying and believing God that He will once again show Himself strong.

Thank you Apostle Woods for posting this video. Until I saw this, I had no idea that this had happened.

[youngclem06]

Wow, I did not know this. He was just at my church Sunday.

[brotherpassar]

Man Debra just started pastoring and she is met with that already. Well our pastor prayed for the church on the radio. Lets not only pray lets but send some money donate some pews, and so on. They have to have somewhere to start.

[mwsentino]

Bishop and Pastor Debra, with every challenge there is an opportunity for even greater success. I simply want to tell you what you already know and that is that GOD is about to do something awesome through you. As a member of Greater, I am so grateful that I will be able to both participate and benefit from the move of GOD. Please call on me for whatever assistance you may need.

STAY BLESSED.

Mary Sentino

[preacherlo07]

wow im praying

[happyfingers1]

Bishop and The entire church family is in my prayers. Bishop know this God just wiped something out in order to have room to give you greater. Don't depair for God is bringing forth a change and somethings must be moved in order for change to come. You are a awesome man. Continue to do God's work the right way.

Minister Bagwell

Knoxville Tn

[ProphetessStacey]

Yes we are also praying for Rev. Wright and his family in their trying time.

[Chokhmah66]

And we know God got this and this to shall pass.

[manykrowns]

praising for yall right now!

[chazafzal1]

Well God always uses a stepback to cause a step up!!! My prayers are with the Greater St. Stephen Family, I pray that you build a bigger building and reach more people than ever before. You are in our prayers....