Goderich tornado passes north of Lutheran Church

Damage on the streets of Goderich, Ont. after a tornado tore through the town Sunday, Aug. 21, 2011. (Paul Mcmullen)

Following a devastating tornado which hit Goderich, Ontario, Sunday afternoon, Pastor John Trembulak, pastor of Berea-by-the-Water Lutheran Church, reports “The church and our people appear fine, however, the heart of Goderich has been devastated. Many buildings and trees are down.” The pastor, currently on vacation, spoke with congregational leaders and members Sunday evening.

The church is located one kilometre south of the city centre which suffered most of the damage. Situated on the shore of Lake Huron, Goderich’s population is about 8000.

“The people of Goderich are in our prayers as they recover from this disaster,” said Lutheran Church–Canada East District president, Rev. Paul Zabel. “Members of our congregation there are already helping and comforting their neighbours and friends in the recovery.”

Berea-by-the-Water congregation, founded in 1975, has about 110 members. It is a joint parish with Zion Lutheran Church in Dashwood, Ontario, about 55 km south of Goderich.

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