As their pastor, Rev. Doyle Ankrom, lay suffering in the hospital from stage 4 lung cancer, the parishioners of the Full Gospel Assembly church in Fairmount were desperately coping with the flooding of August 21 and 22 that completely destroyed the church’s basement and everything that was stored there.
Church members trudged through mud and shoveled wet sheet rock, while others spent many hours trying to salvage priceless artifacts including the Pastor’s extensive collection of gospel recordings, many of which were recorded by Reverend Ankrom’s own gospel recording groups over the course of decades.
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| Church Member Pat Pace spends a Sunday morning removing wet sheetrock from the church’s basement destroyed by the flooding. |
The church has had more than its share of weather-related problems in the past. In May of 2013 a storm tore the roof and steeple off of the church’s building and flooding has been a problem for the church for years. In the past high water in the parking lot prevented the church from holding services but it wasn’t until the recent heavy rains of late August that water actually entered the building, flooding the basement up to the ceiling.
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| Church members trying to save Pastor Doyle Ankrom’s gospel record collection, many of which were recorded by his singing groups. |
Twice a month the church hosts a free Saturday breakfast, sometimes serving more than 300 members of the community. Bacon and eggs, biscuits and gravy, and anything one could hope for in a good breakfast are served to anyone who is hungry for food and/or fellowship. Their extension ministry across the street is open at this time, providing household items to people who need them. Ground has been broken to expand the Fellowship Hall so that more people can be served.
You can help the Full Gospel Assembly church in rebuilding by sending donations to 10537 E 6th St, Independence, MO 64053, or to donate building materials contact Connie Cunningham at dccunningham@att.net
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