TEMPLE, Texas (ABP) — The 70-year-old sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Temple, Texas, appears to be a total loss after a fire consumed it in the early-morning hours of Jan. 19.
Reports on the church’s website and in several local news outlets said the fire began around 5 a.m. local time in the sanctuary building. The building’s roof collapsed. The website statement as of 3:30 local time Jan. 19 said, "The fire was contained within the sanctuary and Building A, which contains the church staff offices, music rooms and some Bible Fellowship classrooms, and they were destroyed. In addition, there is smoke and some water damage throughout the church, including the Child Development Center and adjoining buildings."
According to the history section of the church’s website, the sanctuary that burned Jan. 19 was itself the result of a fire. Completed in 1939, it replaced an 1895 building that burned in 1938.
The church’s day-care center was closed Jan. 19 as firefighters continued attempts to put out remaining hot spots and assess the causes of the blaze. Church officials said it would remain closed for at least the rest of the week.
The congregation has scheduled a special prayer meeting in the congregation’s youth center for 7 p.m. local time on Jan. 19.
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