SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, Texas - A South Texas church begins a new chapter of worship on Sunday as it unveils a new sanctuary a year and half after a gunman opened fire and killed more than two dozen congregants in the deadliest mass shooting in state history. Worshippers, elected leaders and relatives of those killed or injured at the First Baptist Church in the tiny town of Sutherland Springs are expected to gather at the new sanctuary for a dedication ceremony on Sunday. The facility features enhanced security elements, along with a church bell tower and another additional prayer space. A gunman shot and killed 25 people at the church on Nov. 5, 2017 . Rod Green, the grounds steward of the church, said the new facility has security cameras and there is now a “response team” made up of designated worshippers.

Source: thestar May 19, 2019 03:56 UTC