Roof collapses at ill-fated Metropolis church

METROPOLIS, Ill. — A twice-destroyed southern Illinois church suffered a third setback this month after a portion of its roof collapsed.

The 159-year-old Upper Salem Baptist Church in Metropolis burned down shortly before Mother’s Day in 2012. After that, the congregation merged with another church and became Weaver Creek Baptist. Together, congregants were working to build a new church, but that building was destroyed by strong winds earlier this summer when gusts reached 50 mph in the area.

Congregants weren’t fazed and started work yet again.

Construction was under way when a portion of the roof collapsed last week, injuring a volunteer.

WSIL-TV reports the man had to be taken to the hospital with three broken ribs and a broken wrist. He’s expected to recover.

The pastor says work will continue.