Cape Fear Presbyterian: Returning home after Florence

Congregation is finally back in their church after it sustained heavy damage from last September’s hurricane

WILMINGTON — “Welcome home.”

Those were the first words parishioners heard at Cape Fear Presbyterian Church earlier this month as congregants gathered in the sanctuary for the first time since Hurricane Florence made landfall last September. The four-day storm caused significant damage to the church, located off Shipyard Boulevard.

As parishioners returned, they barely made mention of the hurricane. Instead, they rejoiced in the return to their church home.

“It’s an answered prayer to be able to come back,” said Mary Cowan, who has attended Cape Fear Presbyterian for the past 55 years.

Pastor Jonathan Watson said the church’s unique rounded roof was partially torn off by the winds, and water seeped into the sanctuary and chancel. The education building also sustained severe leaks.

“It was overwhelming and sometimes discouraging,” Watson said.

Watson has pastored the church since 2006, and he says that the congregation unified and held to their faith that it would be fixed.

“We knew it would be fixed; we just weren’t sure of the timeline,” he said.

All of the pews and carpet had to be removed. Paneling, which had been in place since the church was built in the 1950s, had to be replaced. Other areas with water damage needed restoration.

While repairs were under way, the congregation was able to worship at Winter Park Presbyterian.

While church member Carolyn Dunnavant had tears of happiness when she returned to Cape Fear Presbyterian, she praised the congregation of Winter Park for welcoming them after the storm.

“We were so fortunate to be able to use their building, and we are so grateful,” she said.

Cape Fear Presbyterian has a rich history in Wilmington. It began as a Sunday school class for men who were working at the shipyard during World War II. Later, it became a full-time church and built in its current location by the late 1950s.

Watson noted that through the struggle, the church has been given an opportunity to do more for the community and those who may still be displaced by Florence.

Watson’s sermon on May 19 came from Psalms 126: “The Lord hath done great things for us; wherof we are glad.”

He said now that the church has weathered this storm, wonderful opportunities await in the future.

“It is a blessing for us,” Watson said. “This is now a place full of new and exciting possibilities, and we want to go forward making this a welcome place for our community.”

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