After three weeks in Ireland Father Thomas Kenny was expecting to see a big change in the new St. Michael’s Church which is being built in Gainesville. Things certainly had changed. The new building had been flattened by a tornado.

Father Kenny, pastor of St. Michael’s, was returning to Gainesville on the interstate when he saw the distinctive funnel-shaped cloud. He pulled off the road for his own safety; and, after the storm had passed, telephoned his parish.

Since the new building is on the other side of town, nobody at the church knew about the damage. In fact, Father Kenny was told that the construction had progressed nicely while he was away.

“I had been gone for three weeks and was anxious to see how things were coming along,” Father Kenny said, “so I drove right to the site without first going home.” When he arrived he found the entire skeleton of the second story knocked down.

The new building stands at the top of a large hill, probably the best vista in that part of the state. Even from a distance it was obvious that something was wrong. One glance up close told the whole story.

Trees and massive laminated wood beams were piled on the concrete floor. Tools were scattered, scaffolding was collapsed and the contractor’s shed was upside down.

Only 15 seconds before the storm hit men had been working on a scaffold. The superintendent ordered them down to find shelter. One man ran into a shed only to ride with it in the wind. He was taken to the hospital but was released the same day.

“A reversal like this is easier to accept during Holy Week,” Father Kenny said of the destruction.

He was overwhelmed by the response of the local community. He has received condolences from many people in Gainesville and throughout the state.

Some of the local Protestant churches have even offered the use of their facilities. This will not be necessary, however, since the parish is still using the old church building.

The new building is located on Enota Avenue in Gainesville. The Alaska Southern Construction Company of Gainesville is in charge of the building.