Church fire under investigation in Bessemer City – WSOC TV

Channel 9's Ken Lemon spoke with the church's pastor about the severe damage caused by the fire.

Reverend Jimmy Manly described how the entire entrance was charred, making it almost impossible to get through the front door.

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He said he received an automated alert about the church's smoke detectors late last night, leading him to call the fire department.

“It was fast and it was hot,” Manly said. “They can withstand temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees on the hangers, and they had already fallen off when the firefighters arrived. That's how hot it was when the firefighters got here.

But somehow the flames failed to reach the sanctuary, a place that had just held a Sunday service over Memorial Day weekend.

Today, the church, which initially had 10 members and now has up to 300 worshippers, is closed due to severe smoke damage.

But Manly said the fire won't stop the growth of their congregation.

“We know there is more than just a burned building. We have put our hearts and souls into this work from the beginning. And yes, it’s sad, but at the same time, I knew the church was bigger than the building,” he explained.

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He said he wasn't sure what message he would deliver to his congregation at his next service or where that service might take place.

“It’s not the end. It’s just another step we have to take,” Manly said.

Church leaders told Channel 9 they are already talking with insurance agents to develop a restoration plan..

They said no matter what happens next Sunday, this will always be their home.

The Gastonia Fire Department is currently investigating the cause of the fire.

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