The morning of Dec. 20, members of Patton Hill Baptist Church near Oakman woke to a dismaying sight.
Their church building had burned to the ground.
“The building’s a total, complete loss,” said Lucky Teague, director of missions for Walker Baptist Association.
The fire marshal determined the fire was due to faulty electrical wiring, said Edgar Pendley, the church’s sole deacon. Patton Hill Baptist currently is without a pastor. Randy Brand, who had served as pastor since March, resigned at the end of November.
No one was hurt in the fire.
“We’ve already had folks calling to come help [the church] out,” Teague said at press time. “[Associational leaders] have met with them, prayed with them, and we’re pledged to be involved with them.”
On Dec. 21, the 15-member congregation met in Pendley’s house. Mark Ottis, whom Patton Hill is considering calling as its next pastor, led the service. The congregation will continue to meet in Pendley’s house or nearby Key Hill Church while it sees what it will take to rebuild.
The insurance report had not been finalized at press time. (TAB)
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