Mingo County church fears teetering rock

  

A boulder in Mingo County, WV is dangerously teetering above a church.

Rev. Ron Acord said a boulder is slowly separating from the steep mountain directly above Matewan United Methodist Church . Part of the Matewan United Methodist Church and it's parking lot are directly in the landing zone for the boulder.

This looming problem is causing him and other church members to worry, he said.

Last November, a slab of rock came loose from the boulder.  It smashed into the handicap ramp of the fellowship wing.  No one was at the church when the slab fell.

Since November, smaller pieces of rocks have landed near the outside of the church prompting church officials to shut down and rope off half of the building, including the Sunday School room. The newly renovated main sanctuary remains open. It is the farthest point away from the boulder.

Rev. Acord and others have tried to seek help. He said they have spoken with contractors and state and county officials about removing the rock and protecting the church.  So far, Acord says the proposals are too expensive.

Matewan United Methodist Church is no stranger to unfortunate events. In 1971, there was a fire in the church. Six years later, in 1977, the church flooded.