Clayridge BC members adjusting after fire

It was a horrible night — but a good morning. 

That’s how Pastor Ron Hudgens described two very different parts of July 5, when first a fire erupted at his church, Clayridge Baptist Church, Clay, and then an outpouring of support followed from the community in the hours that followed. 

“We saw love in action like crazy when the sun came up, and it’s continuing,” said Hudgens, who was contacted by the fire department about the blaze around 3:30 a.m. 

“It was a shocking night, driving down the road not knowing what you’re going to see,” he noted, recalling how the church’s parking lot was full of fire trucks when he arrived at the scene.

Most of Clayridge Baptist’s building sustained heavy smoke damage from the fire, with the damage to the sanctuary the most severe. Hudgens noted it’s believed the cause of the fire was electrical. 

The church is currently involved in the evaluation and initial cleanup stages with professional work crews. At press time, the next stage of cleanup — taking items and equipment from the building to be cataloged, evaluated and removed — was about to start. 

Hudgens, who has served as Clayridge’s pastor for about eight years, noted he has been encouraged by the support of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, which will provide a mobile unit to serve as a temporary sanctuary.

The day after the fire, the congregation met outside on the church’s property for the Sunday worship service. Hudgens said they will continue to meet outside until they obtain the mobile unit. 

Many from the community — including individuals and other churches — have rallied around the church, offering their help in numerous ways and providing generous donations in the fire’s aftermath. 

“I’ve just had a great outpouring” of support, Hudgens said. He added that one church in particular, Clearview Baptist Church, Pinson, has been “super gracious” by hosting Clayridge’s day care that has been displaced since the fire. 

It will take a long time to have the church building fully restored, but Hudgens noted the church is more than a building. He added the attitudes of church members “are great … (and) everyone is willing to do what needs to be done.”