Service Goes On For Members Of Church, Destroyed By Fire

Members held service in the early morning before it was too hot in, what they said, is the structure God made for them, the open air.

"It was a part of our life that went up," said Bettie Covington.

Wednesday afternoon a fire broke out in the attic of the church after it was struck by lightening.

Now only charred remains are left of the structure built in 1931, its members said was indescribably, welcoming and comforting.

"It was all the things you think a little country church is," said Covington.

Those who filled its pews every Sunday said they lost a very special place that was a part of their community in every way.

"I was married here," said Ronnie Ashmore, "I was baptized here, my oldest son was baptized here, my youngest was christened here."

Sharing memories of weddings, funerals, baptisms all events the church served as the setting for

"It's like losing a family member when it's something... that integral in your life," said Ashmore, "It hurts. "

"It was such a loss," said the church's pastor Debbye Harrison, "Not just to us, but this entire community has lost a very dear friend."

Harrison said there was never any doubt despite the loss, that services would continue as usual.

Just hours after the fire, members prepared for Sunday services in a near-by park

"We will be out here under the fans," said Harrison, "Early to beat the heat!"

Remembering in spite of their grief, that it's not about where you worship.

"It's not the building that makes the church," said Ashmore, "It's the people."

The structure was determined to be a total loss, however the damages are covered by the church's insurance.

The members said they've had an outpouring of help from their community.