Ardmore congregation carries on despite devastating church fire
Published 10:00 pm Monday, February 25, 2008
A fire has forced members of an Ardmore church to worship in the town’s police department – a former First Baptist Church.
An early morning blaze Sunday destroyed the Pentecostals of Ardmore church off Park Avenue. Although there is nothing suspicious at this time, the state fire marshal was called to investigate, in part, because arsonists have targeted so many Alabama churches. Results of his investigation are expected in about two months.
A neighbor noticed the fire about 3 a.m. Sunday and made the call.
“Once we arrived, fire was coming through the southwest corner of the building and through he roof,” said Jason Steele, Ardmore fire lieutenant and public information officer. “We had the fire under control within the hour. But, it destroyed all of the classrooms and the sanctuary sustained heavy, heavy fire and smoke damage,” he said. Ardmore Mayor Eugene Shannon was quick to offer the top of the police department – which was once a church until 1984 – to pastor Allen Gandy. His congregants worshiped there Sunday night, Steele said.
Ardmore Police was first on the scene Sunday night. Oak Grove-Thach Fire Department assisted.