Florence Church Blocked by Street Hole Impacts Community Life

Florence Church Blocked by Street Hole Impacts Community Life

The usually vibrant Pathway Pentecostal Temple Church (PAW) on West Pine Street in Florence has had to deal with unusual turmoil. Since early May, a massive hole has defaced the street leading up to the church, causing a sudden disruption to regular church activities and communal routines. According to Bishop Richard Gordon of the PAW, city officials had torn out a chunk of the road, placed road closure signs, and conducted only sporadic checks since then.

Concerns Brewing in the Community

“It needs to be corrected. I don’t feel good about it. But, we’re at the mercy of the city“, said a frustrated Gordon. The growing stench from the gaping hole has led parishioners to believe that it may be a sewage issue. The local community has tried initiating dialogues with city officials, but they have not received any clear response about the issue.

Larry Jackson, a resident near West Pine Street, has found his routine walks interrupted due to the road closure and unsavoury smell. Expressing his frustration, Jackson said, “It’s frustrating for the church obviously. But it’s frustrating for the community… we have infrastructure problems in Florence… Do right by the church. Do right by this citizens who live in this little small area.”

Impact on Church Attendance and Safety

Deacon Henry Jones expressed his concerns that the blocked roads are impacting the church’s attendance. “The road close signs are all up. And a lot of people might think that the church is closed itself. I’m pretty sure it discourages, you know, parishioners from coming, and maybe future parishioners… And it’s not only a hindrance here for the church. But a safety hazard for the community also,” Jones voiced.

Due to the issue, the church is considering relocation plans for an upcoming convention in October, an event which attracts many parishioners annually. The potential shift seems highly inconvenient for the Parish.

Limited Response from City Officials

When city officials were reached out on Friday to provide answers for the distressed community, there was no immediate response. The issue was further compounded when two city crews visited the site but stayed for a short duration, causing uncertainty about the repair’s progress.

Desperate Plea for Corrective Action

The members of the church, including Bishop Gordon, expressed that they are running thin on patience. He said, “This is what I have been up against. I have been staying on this… And this is where I am.”

The regrettable state of the infrastructure has stirred a wave of dissent among the community members. They believe that their attendance in church activities has dwindled since the obstruction appeared. The bishop’s concerns extend to the consequences of holding necessary community activities like funerals under such conditions.

The church is scheduled to host a significant convention soon, but the unresolved street hole situation threatens its smooth functioning, adding more woes to the community. The plea of the citizens is simple – fix the issue and reopen the road as soon as possible before further problems crop up.