“Astonishing servant of God: 'Differ Member, which was killed when the roof of the church breaks down during the storms

St. Louis (KMOV/Gray News) – A long -standing and popular member of a church in Missouri was killed when the roof of the church collapsed during the storms on Friday.

Patricia Penelton was in the Centennial Christian Church in North St. Louis and looked for protection during the storms when the building scored a direct hit. The roof collapsed and catching people inside, and the high -towering church tower fell in a bunch of debris on the lawn in front of the lawn.

After the collapse, first aiders hurried to the scene and worked on saving the prisoners in the building. Patricia Penelton was killed in collapse and two other people were injured. They were taken to the hospital and their conditions have not yet been released.

Patricia Penelton's husband, Harry Penelton, told KMOV that the couple was only two months away from celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary. He refused to speak in front of the camera, but announced that she was deeply involved in church activities

“She did everything in the church, but slept there,” he said.

Patricia Penelton was in the church on Friday morning to support the needy lunch, according to her husband. It arrived around 11 a.m. just a few hours before the storm.

Reverend Derrick Perkins, who spoke in the name of the Penelton family, remembered them as “an amazing servant of God and this church”.

“We are only sad at the moment. Our hearts are broken over all of this,” said Perkins.

Ward 10 Alderwoman, Shadeem Clark-Hubbard, a member of the church, described Penelton's friendliness and humility.

“She was one of the first people I hit here on duty,” said Clark-Hubbard. “She gave selflessly. It wasn't about 'look at me, I'll do it.' Everything she did was from her heart.

The collapse not only marks the loss of an estimated community member, but also the destruction of a historical building. The Centennial Christian Church has stood on the corner of Aubert and Fountain Avenues for more than 121 years.

“This community always gets together,” said Perkins. “And the church is a critical piece of this community.”

While it remains unclear how long the clean-up and reconstruction process will take, Perkins said that the church would continue in any form, no matter what happens.

“The way they give is immeasurable and as a manager in this service and giving it is an immeasurable loss,” said Clark-Hubbard.

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