Clay County AlArchives News.....Mellow Valley Baptist Church Struck by Lightning April 7, 1916
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Linda Ayres http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00031.html#0007674 January 8, 2023, 6:01 pm

Lineville Headlight April 7, 1916
The Mellow-Valley Baptist church, located ten miles South of Lineville, was 
struck by lightning last Sunday morning about 11:00 o'clock. The church edifice 
was struck on the North side near the pulpit, just as the pastor Rev. W. J. 
Layton, of Milltown, had read his text and had begun his sermon. 
Mrs. Will Bailey suffered a broken limb and severe cuts and bruises as a result 
of the stroke of lightning. and several other members and worshippers were 
burned, shocked and tendered unconscious. 
A dog which had followed his master into the church was killed by the lightning. 
Another dog lying beside the one killed, escaped death. 
The clothing of some of the worshippers was scorched and burned and the 
lightning tore the slippers and shoes from the feet of some of the ladies. 
A majority of the worshipper escaped uninjured, except from the shock.  
The church edifice was almost completely wrecked, and it is considered 
miraculous that many members of the congregation were not killed. 
Several physicians were soon on the scene caring for and ministering medical aid 
to the injured. Although the lightning struck the church building near the 
pulpit, the pastor suffered no injurie other than he was shocked. 
The services were suspended on account of the stroke of lightening. It will be 
necessary to repair or rebuild the house of worship before further services can 
be held therein. 
The injuries of Mrs. Bailey were rather peculiar. The lightning cut one of her 
limbs as if with a knife.  It then took out a large plug of flash from the other 
limb. 
Mrs. Jesse Green, who sat beside her, was severely injured. The lightning almost 
tore her clothing from her body. Several members of the congregation were burned 
by the lightning. The burns are peculiar, in some instances looking like the 
imprints of leaves. 
It is thought that all the injured will recover with the possible exception of 
Mrs. Bailey, and hopes are entertained for her recovery.

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