Rosemont Baptist Church Re-Opens Its Doors After Devastating Flooding
In Lexington, Kentucky, a momentous occasion took place as the doors of the Rosemont Baptist Church swung open for the first time in nearly two years. This Sunday, church leaders celebrated the grand re-opening of their beloved space, which had been closed for a staggering 25 months due to extensive flooding caused by a broken water main.
It all began in July 2022 when the basement of the church found itself submerged under a relentless wave of water. A whopping 1.5 million gallons of water flooded the space, wreaking havoc and leaving the basement stripped down to its core. The cleanup operation, handled by Servpro Lexington, took four long days, as they worked tirelessly to clear out the soggy remnants.
As Randy Byzet, the church’s business manager, recalls, “By the time I was able to get into the church, the water was up to the ceiling of the basement.” His voice reflects the tumult of that time, where the focus shifted swiftly from mourning the damage to assessing how to rebuild. “It was a total wipe-out.”
After facing 18 months without electricity and investing countless hours into the renovation, the basement has been transformed into a space that not only meets the needs of the congregation but also serves the community in new and exciting ways. Mary McKinney, who has been a dedicated member of the church for 25 years, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “Oh, what I’ve seen of it is beautiful.”
The new renovations come at a price tag of $5 million, a considerable amount covered largely by insurance, except for a few items. Pastor Schylar Fields emphasized that this renovation was not just about restoring a structure, but reimagining the space. “God gave us a path for the necessary changes.”
The church has introduced amazing upgrades, including a vibrant new youth group room adorned with a mural that draws inspiration from the church’s stained glass windows, new electrical installations, an upgraded kitchen, and even a new elevator. “Okay, how can we use what we have and what God has blessed us with in this renovation to be more effective in serving our community,” Pastor Fields elaborated on their vision for the space.
One of the standout features is the stunning artwork created by artist Natalie Brockman, whose murals reflect both creativity and a deep connection to the church’s heritage. “The murals were inspired by what we saw outside, given some suggestions that we had because they are based on the stained glass in the sanctuary,” Byzet explains.
While the flooding was undoubtedly a challenging experience for the Rosemont Baptist Church community, church leaders believe it also served as a transformative “blessing in disguise.” Pastor Fields shared a poignant reflection on faith through adversity, stating, “God is faithful, and you know, even in the difficult times that we were presented with. We may not understand what was going on, but He does have a plan and a purpose.”
As the church moves forward, the community is invited to return to the basement for Sunday school, which begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by evening groups at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. The anticipation and excitement resonating among the congregation are palpable as they prepare to come together once again in their rejuvenated space.
The re-opening of Rosemont Baptist Church represents not just a physical return to their home, but a symbolic renewal of hope and community spirit following a difficult chapter. As church members gather to celebrate, they are reminded that through faith and resilience, new beginnings can arise from the depths of despair.
In a time when community ties are more vital than ever, the Rosemont Baptist Church stands ready to welcome back its parishioners, equipped with a fresh purpose and a revitalized space brimming with potential.
This remarkable journey isn’t just about a building—it’s about a community coming together, overcoming challenges, and emerging stronger than before. As they re-open their doors, they are not only inviting people back to a physical space but also reconnecting hearts and lives in the spirit of fellowship and shared faith.
