“It’s Just Like Hugo”
The Weather Channel alert read: TORNADO WARNING….take cover nowMany in the Johns Island Community were awakened just before 1:00 am Friday, September 25 by one of two sounds: a cell phone alert or the sound of freight train approaching. The EF 2 tornado, roaring through at 130 mph, tore it’s path of destruction through various neighborhoods, crossing the Stono River and wreaking havoc in another neighborhood just on the other side of the Limehouse Bridge.
The Weather Service says it was only on the ground for approximately 15 minutes, covering nearly seven miles.
“We were awakened at the Rectory (which sustained no damage) by the Weather Channel alert,” said the Rev. Greg Snyder, Rector of St. John’s Parish. “We are so thankful to the Lord that Johns Island residents were spared any loss of life. In fact, no one was seriously injured anywhere on the Island, though a number of our parishioners’ homes sustained damage.”
The staff at St. John’s Parish began mobilizing, checking on parishioners as the path of the storm was identified on the newscast. “We were able to reach all of our members affected by the tornado by text or phone call at some point on Friday, but all attempts to get to them were for naught,” said Snyder. “‘It’s just like Hugo,’ was the phrase we kept hearing.”
A Family Boat Day was originally on the Parish calendar, but after the clergy consulted, they felt led to cancel the Boat Day and mobilize the parish to serve. St. John’s Parish membership was contacted by email and text message, inviting them to meet at the church on Saturday morning with “work gloves, chain saws and willing hearts.”
“Over 50 parishioners arrived with their trucks and tools,” said the Rev. Jamie Sosnowski, Associate Rector at St. John’s.
“We were receiving text messages from members, letting us know Main Road was closed and we would not be allowed in,” said Snyder. “After praying together, our team proceeded, trusting God would make a way. Several of our team had trained as emergency responders, so those card-carrying servants led the way, with the blessing of the Highway Patrol.”
They were met by the sounds of whirring chain saws and the pungent smell of pine in the air. “Seeing the main thoroughfare for the first time was eerie,” said Snyder. “I have driven up and down those roads so many times, and yet it was difficult to find familiar mailboxes marking driveways. Large swaths of pine trees were snapped off—houses visible from the road for the first time. Our brothers and sisters in Christ were in a state of shock at the overwhelming task of clean-up ahead.”
Meanwhile, the “casserole patrol” was in full swing back in the parish kitchen, collecting donated food and preparing meals to deliver. When they learned over 100 people were working on various properties, extra large pizzas were ordered, and delivered by the church ladies---along with heartfelt hugs. After church on Sunday, parishioners delivered a food box including a casserole, salad, fruit and dessert, along with the parish’s prayers and love to each affected family.
Plans are in the works for another workday on parishioner properties in the weeks ahead. “There is still much work to be done,” said Snyder. “As with Hugo, the clean-up will take many months.“
If you or your parish would like to lend a hand, contact the Rev. Greg Snyder, St. John’s Parish, at (843) 559-9560 or [email protected].
This Saturday, October 3, St. John's invites all willing workers to continue the clean-up effort. We will rendezvous at Trap & Frances Puckette's house, 821 River Road, at 9am. Please bring chainsaws, work gloves, and extra gas. All workers are welcome!
Several of St. John’s Parish families shared these messages with the community:
“We needed to see the hands and feet of Jesus this weekend and we did. What a blessing our church family was to us and our families.”
“Believe me when I say that our immediate family and our church family are our most cherished of all that we have or need. All the “things” are meaningless in comparison”
“We are thankful to God for sparing all of the lives last Friday evening—let us continue to seek ways to shine the light of Jesus Christ on our island and beyond”
