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Updated: 7:10 PM Aug 23, 2010
UPDATE: Ruckersville Church Fire Being Treated as Arson
A fire kept members of Ruckersville Baptist Church outside Sunday morning. The Greene County Sheriff's Office announced Monday afternoon that the cause of the fire was not accidental and it is currently being treated as arson.
Posted: 3:16 PM Aug 22, 2010Reporter: Chris Stover Email Address: chris.stover@newsplex.com |
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August 22, 2010
A fire kept members of Ruckersville Baptist Church outside Sunday morning, and the Greene County Sheriff's Office announced Monday afternoon that the cause of the fire was not accidental and it is currently being treated as arson.
"This is definitely a suspicious crime, and we're actively seeking leads. You're on church property. It's despicable. There's no other word for it," Greene County Sheriff Scott Haas said.
Crews responded to the fire shortly after 2:30 a.m. Sunday.
"The fire departments did a very good job saving the structure," Haas said. "There's a lot of damage inside, but it could have been worse."
Fire investigators sifted through the rubble Sunday morning as church members looked on in disbelief. This fire happened just weeks after vandals struck the church's stained glass windows.
"That's a building, and yes, we appreciate our building," said Rev. Kyle Clements, the church's pastor. "[But] it's nothing sacred about the building, it's the people."
While the fire did cause some extensive damage to the church itself, it did not damage the spirit of church members, who say their faith will get them through this tragedy.
"The devil did this. The devil had his hand in this, but the Lord will overcome," church member Debbie Clay said. "We will overcome whatever obstacle it is in our way."
The fire's damage was contained to the sanctuary, but other parts of the building suffered smoke and water damage. No one was injured in the blaze.
"They've got at rough road ahead of them, but there's no doubt they'll take care of it and rebuild it," Haas said.
Clements said the services will continue, either on the church's property or in another building.
"You can break my heart, but my spirit is not broken," Clements said. "It's a hurtful thing, but not the spirit."
Clements said he hopes to rebuild the church, depending on its structural integrity. But that cannot happen until the investigation is complete.
If you have information on the fire, contact the Greene County Sheriff's Office at 434-985-2222.
Latest Comments
ok ok i know tat wat thes ppl did was bad but wat i dnt get is tat if thes church ppl who are apart of the church tat was burned shud be forgiving right, isnt tat wat there all about well y are they tlking so bad about the kids who did this, shows how much they care for there cumunity right, cuz they all say thes kids will burn in hell well they might but who know if they will none of those haters will ever know if they will burn in hell will they so ppl just need to grow up an they dnt have any evidence that the minor whos name has been released did any of the thing there charging him for the other boy is known for doing stuff like this the juve has nuthing on his record know tat there chargeing him as an adult so ther holding him hoping that he'll say sumthing well ther just gonna keep holding an innocent person becuz thers no more to the story then wat they already know. ther tryin to break the juve till he tlks but thers NUTHIn tlk about an they know it but i know the juve didnt do anything wrong cuz if u know him u know tat hes a great kid an he'll do any favor for any one he not rue at all an hes very respectfull unless u disrespect him first. hes just wonderfull an i wud hop ther wer more ppl like him in this worl wer all just hippocrits we all think our way of life is the RIGHT way of life well we all have did dumb things ppl who prbley go to tat chrch have did worse things then these kids since wen did the building u worship in matter this much? ill tell u since iggnorent ppl have nuthing better to do then sit around an make us "the youth" not like the government more for holding an innocet person i cnt speak for the other guy but the minor is a good person / the world has just gone to HELL/!
I know two things. The Lord is sovereign and He is good. The church will continue, and yes there is prayer for the one who committed this act. God bless Pastor Clements, his congregation, and the dear citizens of Ruckersville. We are praying for your renewed strength.
I am surprised no one has blamed Obama yet.
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