A Jenkins County church has filed a lawsuit against an insurance company alleging the church has been left nearly $150,000 short on a Hurricane Helene-induced property damage claim.
Bethel AME Church filed the breach of contract lawsuit against South Carolina-based Southern Mutual Church Insurance Company in Jenkins County Superior Court on September 16.
The dispute stems from damage caused by Hurricane Helene on September 26, 2024. According to the complaint, Southern Mutual issued Bethel AME a commercial property insurance policy covering the church and its educational building on Walnut Street in Millen. The policy ran from April 20, 2023, through April 20, 2026 and included what the lawsuit describes as special perils coverage for the property.
Bethel AME says wind, rain, and other hurricane-related conditions caused direct physical damage to the insured property, including damage to the roof and water damage inside the buildings. The church says it notified the company and filed a claim.
According to the lawsuit, the church subsequently obtained an estimate placing the cost of repairing the damage at $171,734.18. Southern Mutual, however, issued an actual cash value payment of $24,445.49 on January 30, 2025.
The difference of $147,288.69, Bethel AME asserts, remains owed under the policy, subject to proof meeting the conditions of the policy. Bethel AME says they’ve done just that.
The church is asking a superior court judge for a judgment against Southern Mutual, litigation costs, and other relief the court deems appropriate following a jury trial.
Bethel AME is represented by attorney Thomas C. Sinowski of The Morgan Law Group. The case has been assigned to Judge Matthew Hube.
