After losing everything to a fire, minister wants to give back to community

SOMERVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — At a Wednesday morning community gathering for prayer 99-year-old minister Equator Black reads from the remaining bible that he owns.

It was among the few things that survived an electrical fire on October 8 at his home.

Decatur chiropractor accused of poisoning wife enters plea ahead of trial

The blaze destroyed historical belongings and everything else he treasured.

Since then, support has poured in from community members in the form of donations, prayer, and even a temporary home.

“He has turned into a spiritual father and grandfather and he inspires us with his knowledge of the bible and his love for people,” said community supporter Jim Verhine.

Black says he knows that people expect him to use generous donations to start all over again, but he says that there are too many people in his beloved community in need.

Whooping cough case detected at Scottsboro High School

“God has put a vision on me that whatever donations and things come as a result of my house burnt and bibles, I have been called according to God’s work,” Black explained.

Mount Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Somerville was built in 1889 by the family of Equator Black. The church has been closed for decades due to disrepair.

Black told News 19 that he has attended the church since the age of nine. He will be using some of his donations to repair and reopen his childhood sanctuary.

“It’s historical and it’s going to be good as new when they get through with it,” said Black. That’s where I want the money to go towards,” said Black. “We will build and buy back. At 99 years old I just want to help other people because everybody is my family.”

“If you want to follow God, God will help you follow him. Equator’s life represents that,” said Verhine.

Black says he also plans to use his property to build a community farm and a museum.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help with expenses.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.