Church Fire in Prairie Grove Labeled "Suspicious"
By:
Updated: April 20, 2012
A church is set ablaze in Prairie Grove and officials find satanic symbols spray-painted on the building.
Our partners at KNWA report Members of the community and church said the building has history, and that this crime impacts many lives.
"I was born right across the river there...There's a lot of history in this old building," said Coy McKee, a member of the Illinois Chapel Baptist Church in Prarie Grove
McKee stood amidst the ashes and said he cannot believe the reality.
"You get a phone call at one o'clock at night especially saying that the church is on fire, nothing but shock."
McKee is now left with the sight of rubble and satanic graffiti across the church's walls.
"Totally sick, especially this church that's been here for history."
According to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, the fire has been labeled as "suspicious." When emergency crews arrived on scene, they say the fire was already in the attic and the church was heavily damaged.
"For someone to come in and deliberately set the thing on fire, doesn't speak very well on them," said Prarie Grove resident Larry Burnett.
He said he has helped restore the church through the years and that it is sad to see it set ablaze and vandalized.
"Devil worshiping signs, you know, and stuff, this is nothing but the Devil...People that does this stuff, they are lost...They haven't the slightest what hell is really about."
But everyone we spoke with said, there is one thing still standing strong, and that is their faith.
"The Devil can't beat us down, not as long as we hold faith in Him...I know the good Lord is with us," said Burnett.
Officials said they do not know who is responsible for this crime, but will continue their investigation
Our partners at KNWA report Members of the community and church said the building has history, and that this crime impacts many lives.
"I was born right across the river there...There's a lot of history in this old building," said Coy McKee, a member of the Illinois Chapel Baptist Church in Prarie Grove
McKee stood amidst the ashes and said he cannot believe the reality.
"You get a phone call at one o'clock at night especially saying that the church is on fire, nothing but shock."
McKee is now left with the sight of rubble and satanic graffiti across the church's walls.
"Totally sick, especially this church that's been here for history."
According to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, the fire has been labeled as "suspicious." When emergency crews arrived on scene, they say the fire was already in the attic and the church was heavily damaged.
"For someone to come in and deliberately set the thing on fire, doesn't speak very well on them," said Prarie Grove resident Larry Burnett.
He said he has helped restore the church through the years and that it is sad to see it set ablaze and vandalized.
"Devil worshiping signs, you know, and stuff, this is nothing but the Devil...People that does this stuff, they are lost...They haven't the slightest what hell is really about."
But everyone we spoke with said, there is one thing still standing strong, and that is their faith.
"The Devil can't beat us down, not as long as we hold faith in Him...I know the good Lord is with us," said Burnett.
Officials said they do not know who is responsible for this crime, but will continue their investigation
Comments
People think that they can do as they please to others property!
Paul M.
April 23, 2012 at 9:12 pm
