Members of 138-Year-Old Church Sang Hymns and Prayed as Firefighters Struggled to Fight Blaze
ST. MARYS, Ga. (AP) -- Members of the First African Baptist Church sang hymns and prayed as firefighters struggled hopelessly to save their church from destruction.
Once the oldest black church in Camden County, the building was reduced to charred ruins by a Tuesday fire. The blaze, which ignited after lightning apparently struck the steeple, had spread to the 138-year-old building's support beams, fanning flames out of the firefighters' reach.
Church trustee Roscoe Alderman spent much of the day Wednesday waiting for permission to re-enter the building, but he couldn't salvage much among the charred ruins.
``It's a matter now of picking up the pieces. It brings tears to my eyes,'' Alderman said.
The church had been a focal point of the black community, the first church established by freed slaves in this coastal Georgia community after the Civil War.
Only days after the blaze, leaders of the 200-member congregation met Wednesday to discuss where services, rehearsals and other meetings would be held.
Investigators must determine the extent of the damage, but Alderman said he believes the building is a total loss. He said the building is insured, but he's uncertain the amount of compensation the congregation could receive.
Members are adamant that the church would be rebuilt, and some even saw promise in a new beginning for the congregation.
``There is no reason to question our faith,'' said Viola Drummond, a member of the church for 43 years. ``We know God knows what he's doing.''
At least five churches have offered help, including space for worship.
``This is a landmark,'' said Bishop Verdell Griffin, pastor of a nearby church. ``This is our blood, sweat and tears.''
Related:
