Horseshoe Beach church rebuilds after back-to-back hurricanes

HORSESHOE BEACH, Fla (WCJB) - First Baptist Church of Horseshoe Beach is rebuilding again after two major hurricanes damaged the sanctuary in as many years.

The church suffered major damage during Hurricane Idalia in 2023. Three weeks after completing a remodeling effort, Hurricane Helene struck in 2024, leaving the sanctuary beyond repair.

“Right out of the gate, it’s heartbreaking,” said Brett Selph, a church member. “It truly is because we’ve watched love, sweat and tears be put into that building to be rebuilt numerous times after floods and hurricanes.”

The sanctuary is now gone. Crews have removed the building and its foundation as church leaders prepare for the next chapter.

Members said rebuilding was never in question.

“It’s important because this is really the only place of worship in Horseshoe Beach,” said Chris Douglas, a church member. “It’s very important for this community to have a church and a place to worship God.”

Pastor Tim Lundy said the church’s story is not about the storms, but what happens after them.

“The story is that First Baptist Church of Horseshoe Beach is moving forward,” Lundy said. “We’re taking the devastation and the pain and all the things that have happened and we’re allowing God to use that to help move us forward and build us back better.”

Church leaders hope to break ground on a new sanctuary in the coming months. The congregation is meeting temporarily in the fellowship hall.

Beyond serving as a place of worship, church members say First Baptist Church plays a vital role in supporting the community. On the first Thursday of each month, the church helps feed between 100 and 125 people by distributing bags of food, fresh produce and frozen meat to families still recovering from the impacts of recent hurricanes.

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