The Steeple Has Fallen, but The Stone Is Still Standing! Reverend Dr. Marlon D. Ector, Contributing Writer

Stone Springfield African Methodist Episcopal Church, located in Stapleton, Georgia, of the Augusta Annual Conference, in the 6^th Episcopal District, Celebrated Easter Weekend with a special ribbon-cutting. After being displaced for more than eight months in the aftermath of Hurricane Helen’s devastation to the church building, whose unexpected fury left its mark, turning this cherished sanctuary into a symbol of sorrow and loss. We joyfully returned to our beloved church on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at 10 a.m.

The Destruction of Hurricane Helen
In September 2024, when Hurricane Helen struck, it unleashed fierce winds exceeding 70 miles per hour and relentless torrential rains that devastated the region. The electricity, cell phone service, food places, and gas stations were out for nearly 50 miles. Stone Springfield AME Church suffered severe roof damage, resulting in major water intrusion and raising serious structural concerns. The tin roof blew off the church and landed in the cornfield across the street. The destruction quickly became evident—the church’s steeple was torn off and landed across the street, lying against a stop sign. Inside the church, fragments of history were scattered across the pews, a heartbreaking reminder of all that had been lost.

In the wake of the hurricane, the spirit of the Stone Springfield AME Church community has shone brightly. Members of the congregation, alongside residents, came together to support one another. The church members volunteered to serve more than 400 meals a day with the help of the Red Cross and were organized to clear debris, salvage what could be saved, and provide emotional support to those grappling with the loss. I called for unity, urging members to lean on their faith and each other during this challenging time.

Rebuilding and Resilience
Though the devastation was significant, the resilience of the Stone Springfield AME Church congregation was just as strong. Plans were placed in motion to begin the rebuilding process, with a commitment to preserving the church’s historic character while enhancing its strength against future storms and creating a modern, updated place of worship. 

While the church’s iconic steeple may have fallen, the true essence of Stone Springfield AME Church remains unshaken. It continues to represent hope, faith, and unity in the face of adversity. As the community joins together to heal and restore what was lost, the church will remain a steadfast sanctuary for generations to come. Stone Springfield AME Church and its congregation remained unshaken. With every step forward in the rebuilding process, the church community is reminded that even in the darkest of times, light can rise from the ashes. Hurricane Helen brought destruction, but it could not break the deep-rooted bonds of faith, love, and unity that define Stone Springfield A.M.E. Church and its neighboring communities.

The Journey

The church was able to worship in their life center while they could not use their church facility and were rebuilding; the road to recovery was long. In this process, Stone Springfield AME Church was the host site of the Augusta Annual Conference, and it was a question of whether they could complete the church with all that had to be done. Well, after 8 months in overdrive, the church held its ribbon cutting as they went back into their church for the first time. 

Though the church’s steeple may have fallen, the foundation built on love, support, and resilience stands firm. The story of Stone Springfield AME Church has not ended—it has simply turned the page to a new chapter, one marked by restoration, promise, and unwavering determination.

Reverend Dr. Marlon D. Ector is the Pastor of Stone Springfield AME Church, Stapleton, GA (6^th Episcopal District)