ELIZABETH, W.Va. (AP) -- Arson is to blame for a fire that destroyed a small historic church in Wirt County, state fire officials said Friday.
``There is evidence of grand larceny prior to the fire,'' said Kim O'Brien with the state fire marshal's office in Charleston. ``There are items missing from the church _ the heater and some pews.''
The fire started at Bethel Church, located off state Route 14 near Elizabeth, Wednesday night.
``The church had no money and no insurance,'' Pastor John Barker said Thursday. ``Everything we had went right back into it. ... It is upsetting.''
The church also was broken into a month ago and someone stole about $2,000 worth of tools.
``Someone knew what was going on and just waited for the opportunity,'' Barker said.
The church, which measured just 20 feet by 26 feet, was built in 1898, said trustee Denver Cline. The building was old, but it was still in sound shape, he said.
``I was devastated when I came out here and saw it,'' Cline said. ``It is a tremendous community loss. ... You just can't replace it.''
Cline said the building is a complete loss and nothing can be salvaged from it.
Barker said the congregation is planning to find another meeting place and continue weekly services.
