Officials said the Rev. James Neal has finally demolished the Temple of Joy Church. The building was destroyed when a truck crashed into it in January, and it remained half-standing for months.
Shortly after the January accident, Neal vowed his congregation would rebuild. Church members began tearing down the sanctuary brick-by-brick, but nearly six months later, most of the building was still standing.
Selma town leaders said they tried for months to get the church to clear the lot and have received numerous complaints about the site. They asked Neal to clear the lot, and even ordered him to appear in court.
According to officials, he finished the job without saying a word.
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