A fire at First Baptist Church, Bayou La Batre, on Feb. 29 marked the second time in almost seven years the historic church has suffered significant damage.
According to Pastor Clint Landry, who was next-door at the pastorium when the fire began about 4:30 p.m., the blaze appeared to start after a vent fan in the attic shorted out. He said no one was inside the Mobile Baptist Association church at the time and the most significant fire damage occurred to the attic and roof.
The attic is located directly above the sanctuary’s pulpit. As a result of extinguishing the fire, the sanctuary suffered water damage. “The main stage got pretty well soaked,” Landry said.
He has already spoken to a contractor about the needed repairs. “The recovery may be worse than the fire itself,” he explained, adding that a significant portion of the roof will have to be repaired — if not replaced entirely.
Until the repairs are completed, the congregation will meet at the Bayou La Batre Community Center for Sunday morning services.
The church will accommodate its Sunday and Wednesday evening activities at its facilities.
The church’s main structure dates back to 1895, and in 2005, it, along with the rest of the campus, was located in Hurricane Katrina’s path and was seriously affected by flooding.
But Landry, who has served as pastor since June 2010, predicted the fire will be remembered as “just a speed bump in the road.” His prayer is that God will continue to use the church to minister to the community.
“This really comes during a time … of incredible renewal [at the church],” he shared, adding that at a recent morning worship service, four new believers were baptized.
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