WHITNEY, Texas – A major fire Tuesday before Easter destroyed Fort Graham Baptist Church north of Whitney.
Images shared on social media and local TV showed the church engulfed in flames, with collapsed walls and charred remains of the worship facility.
The Hill County Sheriff’s Office confirmed a vehicle fire spread to the church, causing major damage to the sanctuary, Waco-area TV station KWTX reported.
Ten people were near the church and attempted to put out the fire with fire extinguishers as the flames spread across the sanctuary and the remaining church structure.
Chris Jackson, lieutenant with the Hill County Sheriff’s Office, declared the church a total loss, but said the fellowship hall remained untouched. No injuries were reported.
“It’s heartbreaking because this is more than just a church,” Pastor Bryan Hill told KWTX. “This was a sanctuary for the community.”
Despite the devastating fire, Easter Sunday worship services took place in the church’s fellowship hall.
Hill said the worship service gathering was the largest he has ever preached while serving at Fort Graham Baptist Church.
“If that’s what comes from it, then, man, praise God. If God’s bringing His people to Himself through this tragedy, then I would give the sanctuary up all over again,” Hill said.
Hill said Fort Graham Baptist Church is receiving support from the community and from miles away.
He told KWTX a woman in Austin is making plans to donate church pews.
A GoFundMe has been set up for those who want to donate to help rebuild Fort Graham Baptist Church.
This article originally appeared in the Baptist Standard.
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