The Cupps, Gary Dugger perform in tornado-affected community
Residents of Finley Trailer Park gathered last Wednesday evening for a musical performance aimed at bringing the community together after the May 16 tornado.
A flatbed trailer was transformed into a stage for a special performance by The Cupps, a Christian-based band from Williamsburg, and local singer Gary Dugger.
The gathering was partially organized by Monroe Murphy, a resident of the trailer park who wanted to do something in response to the devastation that struck the area.
YouTube personality John Ward of La Follette, Tennessee, also played a role in making the event happen. Ward, known for his channel The Appalachian Channel with John Ward, helped facilitate the visit and documented the event for his audience.
The event brought community members together to uplift one another as the area begins recovery efforts following the EF-4 tornado that left behind major structural damage in the park.
Murphy was among those who had damages to his home. Recounting his experience, Murphy said that at about 11:45 p.m. May 16, he stepped out on his porch because he'd heard a sound on the roof, which he said ended up being hail.
'The wind started picking up so I immediately closed the door and by that time, I knew something bad was coming so I laid down in my kitchen floor,' Murphy recounted. 'Next thing I know, my trailer felt like it was up in the air, turned upside down, and slammed on the roof.'
Murphy said he must have blacked out during the experience, saying it only spanned 30 to 45 seconds. He shared that while he did not acquire any broken bones, it did hurt his head and back.
Murphy went on to spend the night in his brother's truck, awaking there at daylight.
'I went back to where I knew I got up from and there was a Bible laying there... It had embroidery on it and it was Psalms 93:11. It said, 'The Lord will give charge over his angels to protect you in all your ways,' and that was laying right beside where I was at,' said Murphy.
Now, Murphy temporarily resides in a mobile home loaned by Still Water Baptist Church.
Ward has driven from Tennessee four times to provide assistance where he can.
'When this happened, I had supplies in stock already as I was giving stuff to the homeless,' Ward stated. 'When I came here, this was the first place I found really that needed some stuff.'
Ward said it's been 'inspiring' to see both community members and other outsiders band together to provide aid to those in need.
'I'm just thankful for all the people that's donated and come to volunteer here,' he said.
As attendees enjoyed the show, they were also treated to free hotdogs, chips, and water from Bobby and Angela Nelson. Wednesday's event came to a close following the two performances.
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