Pastor honored as tornado hero
Published: March 26, 2007
The Rev. Larry Lynn, whose Lady Lake Church of God church was ravaged by the tornadoes that swept through Central Florida last month, was recognized Sunday morning as an Honorary Tornado Hero with a Governor’s Points of Light Award.
Dressed in a brown pinstripe suit and brown tie, Lynn accepted a certificate from a Volunteer Florida Foundation representative in front of his congregation at their temporary church home, a vacant car dealership on U.S. 27/441 in Fruitland Park.
“I’m deeply honored,” said Lynn, minutes after accepting the award. “The governor has shown great confidence in me.”
The Governor’s Points of Light Award each week recognizes a Florida resident who demonstrates exemplary service to his or her community. A panel of judges, consisting of leaders in the areas of volunteerism and service, evaluate all nominations and make recommendations to Gov. Charlie Crist.
The Volunteer Florida Foundation manages the program.
The Feb. 2 tornadoes killed 21 people in Lake County, damaged hundreds of homes and businesses and ignited a storm of recovery efforts. As a result, Crist decided to use the Points of Light Award this month to recognize heroes of the recovery effort.
Lynn’s church was left in twisted ruins by the tornadoes, as were nearby neighborhoods. The church, on U.S. 27/441, became a sort of unofficial rallying place for recovery efforts. It pushed Lynn into the local and national spotlight.
“He has become an icon of dignity and determination in his community and sets an example for all of us,” Crist said in a news release.
“Pastor Lynn’s church was completely destroyed by the Feb. 2 tornadoes, yet he has persevered in leading his congregation to help neighbors in need.”
There are already plans for a “bigger and better” Lady Lake Church of God building on the old property but higher up on the hill to avoid the flood plain, Lynn said.
Crist bestowed the honor on Lynn more than a week ago. On Sunday, Volunteer Florida Foundation President Liza McFadden presented the award just before Bible school at the church.
McFadden echoed Crist, saying the pastor went above and beyond by serving his congregation.
Lynn thanked his congregation.
“It was you, with everyone else, that made this possible,” Lynn told his congregation.
During the next couple weeks, Crist will honor three other tornado heroes. The awards will be presented April 4 during a special public ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion.
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