In the wake of an EF-1 tornado that struck Calera on March 15, Calera Baptist Church has found a new temporary home and a renewed sense of unity. The storm carved a nearly ten-mile path of destruction through the area, heavily damaging the church’s sanctuary and forcing a pause in regular worship services.

Despite the disruption, the congregation rallied quickly. Community members joined efforts to clean up the church grounds, and within days, leadership secured a lease agreement with Calera High School to use the school’s auditorium for worship services.

On March 23, the church held its first service at the new location, gathering for a combined blended service at 10:45 a.m. The large turnout demonstrated the strength and commitment of the church family.  The temporary venue now serves as a place of worship, reflection, and rebuilding—not only physically but spiritually.

Church leaders have announced a phased plan to restore regular church programming. In the coming week, classes for babies and toddlers will resume. Two weeks from now, the church intends to bring back its full Sunday School program for all age groups. For the time being, services will remain consolidated into one blended format.

While the building sustained visible damage, particularly in the sanctuary where a hole was torn through the roof, the church body has remained steadfast in its mission. The congregation continues to emphasize its identity not as a structure but as a unified body of believers committed to worship, service, and community.

Calera Baptist Church plans to hold services at Calera High School until repairs to the original building are completed. The leadership is continuing to assess the damage and timelines for restoration while focusing on spiritual renewal and growth in the meantime.

As the church gradually rebuilds and restores its programs, the community remains focused on resilience, hope, and shared purpose.

Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].