Fire Damages Catholic Church in Tennessee

Nov. 28--Fire investigators were pouring through the rubble at St. William Catholic Church in Millington early Wednesday morning trying to determine the cause of a fire that heavily damaged the church offices.

Millington Fire Chief Gary Graves said when firefighters arrived at the scene after the 12:23 a.m. call, they discovered fire coming through the roof of the office section adjacent to the north end of the sanctuary. The chief said there was some smoke and water damage to the sanctuary, but a firewall separating the church from the office section prevented further damage.

Graves said with daylight, they hope to determine the cause of the fire, which was under control about 1:30 a.m.

Fire departments from Millington, Bartlett and Shelby County were on the scene to fight the blaze.

Graves said part of the investigation will be contacting Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms officials to see if they need to investigate. He said there is no reason to suspect any suspicious activity indicating the church as a target, but such calls are "routine" when a place of worship is involved.

Graves was unaware of any problems with vagrants or people seeking asylum at the church when it was closed, but investigators will check with Millington police Wednesday to determine if there are any recent criminal calls to the church at 4932 Easley.

Copyright 2012 - The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tenn.