A year after a historic African-American church was overcome by a devastating fire – its congregation is ready to start anew. 

“It was a devastating blow to us,” said Wilbur Jackson, one of the deacons. “But New Salem, we’re a bunch of overcomers.”

New Salem Missionary Baptist Church was a cornerstone in Tampa’s black community for more than 100 years. About a year ago, a fire tore through the building; doing so much damage it was deemed a total loss. Tampa Fire Rescue said the fire was accidental.

The church has found a new home in Temple Terrace. But some of its longterm members came to the now-empty lot Sunday to say goodbye.

“My family, we grew up in the church,” said J Yvonne Lucas-Heriveaux. “My parents came to this church as well, so it’s a hurtful thing.”

They sang and prayed between ant hills and patchy grass. They stood tall where the church had fallen.

“I will always tell my children about this church,” Lucas-Heriveaux said, “but now we’re going to make new memories in the new church.”

The congregation traveled by motorcade to the new location at 8525 N 78th Street in Temple Terrace. After more than 100 years in Tampa, the congregation hopes to expand its outreach in a new community.

“Every time I walk into that door I tear up,” Jackson said. “Look what God has given us a year later, a year later we went from ashes to greatness.”