1890’s Church in Camden Destroyed By Fire
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CAMDEN, Tenn. – More than 30 fire fighters from seven different fire departments in Benton County rushed to fight the blaze that broke out Sunday morning and destroyed the House of the Lord church. Pastor Don Churchwell said there had been people staying the night at the church for a revival meeting when they smelled the smoke and just got out with their lives. Pastor Churchwell says the burning of the building and bibles isn’t the only thing leaving his congregation grieving. “I think that is the thing we’ve been hearing most, the memories,” he said. “We’ve held to the idea to make new memories.” Fire officials say around midnight Sunday the church caught fire. Pastor Churchwell says he believes it began due to an electrical issue. Amy Holland grew up next to the church and says she feels a sense of loss. “My first instinct was to cry because it’s such a beautiful and historic structure. It broke my heart,” Holland said. The New Annex building in Camden across the street from the church allowed the congregation to hold their first service since the fire. Pastor Churchwell says dozens of congregations also offered. “We’ve made up our minds to persevere and go on,” Churchwell said. The House of the Lord church says donations to help them begin rebuilding have also pouring in. One man from Boston donated $1,000. “It’s really amazing to see how the community has come together. It’s really hopeful to see that,” Holland said. Firefighters tried to save the church for nearly nine hours. Pastor Churchwell says he witnessed some of the firefighters being taken by ambulance for exhaustion. Nothing from inside the church could be saved. “I believe it has almost become a rallying point. There’s a new found determination,” Pastor Churchwell said. “It’s not only brought our congregation together but the community!” For church goers the loss of their spiritual home means picking up and building a new one. “We are looking forward to what God has in store for the future,” Pastor Churchwell said. To help the House of the Lord Church rebuild Pastor Churchwell asks people to email donchurchwell@yahoo.com.
