Among the many buildings that took roof damage under the assault of Tropical Storm Fay, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Flatts was lucky to avoid worse.

“Our roof at Bethel was partially torn off — right now our trustees are looking to get a tarpaulin over everything,” Pastor Ruth Vanlowe said. “In case more bad weather comes.”

Rev Vanlowe was well sheltered as the storm intensified in the early hours of yesterday. The North Shore took much of the brunt of the high winds.

Once Fay had passed, she was dismayed to find Bethel’s roof damaged.

“We were fortunate,” she said. “There is damage outside the sanctuary, but I have gone through the inside and we were glad to see there has been no water damage.”