PONTOTOC, Miss. — Members of Zion Baptist Church in Pontotoc County were planning to celebrate the church's 175th anniversary next weekend.
But a Fourth of July fire destroyed the church's sanctuary.
"It's just sickening to see this happen to our community," said church member Mike Cox.
"I was speechless and started crying," said church member Patricia Harlow.
A fire chief said it appears lightning started the fire.
Even though the church sanctuary was destroyed, not everything was lost: The education building was saved. The
No one was hurt in the fire.
The Wednesday evening service had been canceled for the holiday.
Firefighters from Palmetto, Ecru, Pontotoc, Longview and Furrs saved the church's fellowship hall and a
Local resident Martha Sue Ray has been a church member for 62 years. For 36 of those years she was church pianist and church treasurer.
"It's like a death in the family," said Ray, as she looked at the burned debris. "So, so many memories. This is really terrible."
Church member Ann Leeper said the congregation had already invited past pastors, members and more for the upcoming 175th celebration, but they will look to mark the occasion at a sister church.
"We had done so much work on renovating and cleaning and getting a book done for our 175 anniversary of the church," Leeper said. "I don't know what we'll do now, but the church is the people, not the building."
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