Benton church to rededicate after flood

Although an ark was not needed, a major rain event in August 2016 destroyed the basement of Benton's First United Methodist Church.
"It was just a mess," Genna Purkaple said. "The wood floors were just buckled and coming up."
The church has been a fixture in Benton since 1847, just six years after Benton was incorporated. Six years later, members purchased a portion of the present site for $70 and built a structure that remained until 1890, when the congregation outgrew the facility and a new building was erected.
The present church was built in 1920, just one year after the unification of the three Methodist denominations resulted in the church becoming known as the "First Methodist."
According to Purkaple, the 2016 storm that caused flooding in the downtown area of Benton literally destroyed the basement.
"The flood drainage was overwhelmed, and several inches of water backed up into the basement," she said. "Wood flooring, carpet, supplies, baseboards and furniture was ruined."
Purkaple said extensive work has been completed to repair the facility, including pouring an epoxy floor, replacing carpet, and installing sump pumps and dehumidifiers.
The church will hold a re-dedication ceremony March 26 to mark the improvements.
"We want to give thanks to the trustees and everyone who put so much work and care into the church," Purkaple said.