After closing this weekend, the N.C. Baptist Assembly at Fort Caswell was open again as of Sunday, with arrivals for the week.

“It was much better than it could have been,” said Richard Holbrook, Caswell’s director, of the effects of Tropical Storm Hanna. “It never made hurricane strength.”

Only losing a couple of “good sized trees,” Holbrook said wind gusts registered up to 65 mph and the fort received about four inches of rain.

“That’s still a significant storm,” he said.

But Caswell’s buildings have been improved over the years so the facilities are “a lot more resistant” than previously.

Holbrook said it was a voluntary evacuation and a health concern. Winds above 40 mph cause officials to shut down the only bridge leading to Oak Island. He estimated that uncovered loss to total around $23,000. There were about 375 people expected to be there over this past weekend.

“It’s a pretty good hit,” he said. “We hope that some of these folks will be able to reschedule.”

Holbrook said Caswell staff members were instrumental in keeping the damage at a minimum. They brought in anything outside that might be carried off by high winds. Trashcans, rocking chairs and other similar items were being secured, he said.

The staff also made sure all doors and windows were closed securely and locked, Holbrook said.

“We appreciate everybody’s thoughts and prayers,” Holbrook said.

Phil Stone, the Baptist State Convention’s senior consultant for Sunday School, said phone calls were made and e-mails sent to notify those registered for the Sunday School Conference that it had been cancelled. Those who had registered would be able to attend similar events at Caraway Conference Center on Sept. 12-13 or at The Memorial Baptist Church in Greenville on Oct. 4.