Pastor wants Texas church demolished where the massacre took place

Pastor Frank Pomeroy suggested that First Baptist church in Sutherland Springs, Texas be demolished. He said it would be too painful to continue having worship services there. The pastor wants to turn the small church into a memorial for those who were killed at the site.

He is hoping a new church will be built on some other property the church owns. Of course, the remaining members will have to vote on that proposal. The pastor doesn't think anyone will reject the idea. Before the church shooting spree last Sunday, First Baptist had about 100 members.

Considering the number of those killed and wounded, only about half of the congregation is left to decide.

Pomeroy had a discussion with Southern Baptist top officials. He told them he thought that the building would be too stark of a reminder of the massacre. The pastor said the church is beyond repair after the lone gunman shot off about 450 rounds throughout the church.

Deadliest massacre in a place of worship

The bloodbath was probably the deadliest mass killing in a Place Of Worship in our nation's history, with 26 people killed and 20 people wounded last Sunday, November 5, 2017. Those numbers include almost half of the members of the church and 4 percent of the rural town's population.

The pastor and his wife were away at the time of the shooting, but their 14-year-old adopted daughter was killed.

The minister who preached last Sunday was also killed. The others killed ranged in ages from 1 to 77 that included 8 people from one family, and a pregnant woman.

Service next Sunday

The remaining congregation will have service this coming Sunday, November 12 at a community center next door to the church. The service is being organized by pastors in the area, but Pastor Pomeroy will speak.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has proclaimed Sunday, November 12 as a statewide day of prayer. He joined Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday at a memorial service for the victims. Pence also met with some of the victims' families and visited some of the wounded at a San Antonio hospital where the those with the most severe injuries were taken.

As of now, eleven people remain hospitalized with wounds they suffered in the attack. The vice president was emotional as he comforted the families and others in the community.

The first viewings will be held for some of the victims this weekend. The Southern Baptist Convention will take care of funeral expenses for all of the dead. This service will be provided by the North American Mission Board.