Amelia Co. members rejoice in groundbreaking of Promise Land Baptist Church

AMELIA COUNTY (WRIC) — Amelia County community members came together on Sunday to celebrate the return of their house of worship.

Several members of Promise Land Baptist Church returned to the 11141 Winterham Road area, where the church used to be, for a ceremonial groundbreaking on Sunday, July 7.

On Dec 5, 2023, the Amelia County Sheriff’s office said deputies received a call at 1:54 a.m. about the church fire. Firefighters fought the blaze for several hours until it was marked under control, but were called back to the scene to extinguish the blaze after the fire reignited in the evening, according to a spokesperson for the Amelia County Volunteer Fire Department.

Florence Wade, who’s been a part of the church for more than seven decades, said she is overwhelmed with joy.

“The church is a very intricate part of the community, and without the church, we are not really building on any particular aspect of our lives,” said Wade. “I can’t express the feeling, the feeling of gratitude, the feeling of hope, the feeling of love.”

Officials said the newly improved building will be 7,200 square feet, with the addition of a balcony. Trustee Robert Booker said it will take roughly six months to build the church, and having the church back will restore faith for many in the community.

“It was a blessing from god,” said Booker. “Everything we’ve done, he was in the midst of it all. All we have to do is continue to pray, have faith and believe.”

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