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If Hurricane Dolly was a test of faith, the congregation of First Baptist Church in Raymondville passed with flying colors.
The historic building took heavy damage from Dolly last july.
The Category One storm tore of the roof of the church and left behind thousands of dollars worth of damage.
Pastor Russ Willis told it took months of work and and a lots TLC but the church is back and better than ever.
This Easter Sunday, the church held it's first service since Hurricane Dolly in the historic sanctuary.
"I would say it's extra special Easter," said Willis. "There's so much work that's gone in and you can the beauty of the building. It's such a glorious building now."
The congregation had been meeting in a building next door over the past while insurance money and professional crews took care of the exterior.
But Willis told Action 4 News that the congregation didn't sit idle.
"We did have a lot of the congregation come out and help," he said. "A lot of our congregation is older professional crews did most of the the work. We didn't want our old folks out on ladders. Our youth group helped and all the finishing touches our folks have been a part of."
One of the volunteers was 15-year-old youth group member Angel Villalobos.
The Lasara High School student told Action 4 News that adults and other members of the church youth group took on some flooring and carpentry projects inside the building.
"It's something we all did together," Villalobos said. "A lot of people spent their Sundays, their Saturday mornings and Saturday evenings right here putting it all together."
Church elders said there are still a couple of details left to finish but Villalobos said he's satisfied with their work so far.
"I feel like this is great," Villalobos said. "This is excellent for everyone to see. For everyone to see. For everyone to be here. I feel so comfortable in this place."
Willis said the historic building is decades old but was rebuilt with modern construction materials.
He added that modern equipment is carefully hidden so it doesn't clash with the historic architecture.
Willis said he and the congregation are putting their faith in the Lord but also in the new construction.
They hope the church always will continue to serve Raymondville and surrounding communities for many more years to come.
"The original roof lasted 60 years and that was old technology, the new roof has new technology so we hope to be here forever," Willis said.
