CRANBERRY TWP — Officials from the Church Restoration Group arrived in Joplin, Mo., on May 31 to inspect churches damaged by the recent tornadoes.

An insurance company contacted the Cranberry company and requested that it inspect Saint Mary’s Church in Joplin.

“The devastation in the area is immense,” said Jaci Blain, a consultant for Church Restoration. “The only thing left in the building standing is the cross.”

Saint Mary’s Catholic Church was established in 1938. It also houses Saint Mary’s School.

The restoration group is consulting with the insurance carrier and assessing the damage. It will then work to restore the building.

“One of the things that’s most important now is getting the church up and operating as soon as possible because I think a lot of people forget how important a church is to the community,” Blain said.

She said that churches often play an active role in relief programs, providing water, food and shelter to residents.

The company is focusing on making Saint Mary’s Church functional as soon as possible. That may mean moving it to a temporary location.

The Cranberry business also is consulting with the insurance company about restoring other churches as well.

The company restores historic and religious buildings throughout the country following natural and man-made disasters.

“We have built a strong, trusting relationship with our clients over the years by responding to disaster zones,” said Matthew Beahm, facility consultant and principle at Church Restoration.

It has worked on more than 400 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

“We are just grateful to have the opportunity to help religious communities, one congregation at a time,” Beahm said.