DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) – For the first time in a week, the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs opened its doors to the public today (Sunday).
By 5 p.m., the inside of a Texas church that was once the scene of the deadliest shooting in the state’s history, was transformed into a memorial. Bullet holes were filled in, broken windows and ceiling tiles were replaced, the carpet and all equipment had been removed, and the walls, floor and pulpit were painted white.
Twenty-six white chairs, including one for the unborn baby of a victim who was pregnant, were placed where each congregant was sitting when they were shot.
According to the Associated Press, Associate Pastor Mark Collins said “constructing the memorial wasn’t an easy decision because some members have said they never wanted to again step foot in the place where they lost so many friends or family members.” But, he says, other members and family of those who were killed needed to see the church.
Plans to demolish the church, and build a new structure nearby are being discussed.
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