As fire investigators try to piece together the cause of a fire that ripped through a Hazel Dell church early Sunday morning, the congregation is searching for a new place of worship.
Firefighters were sent to Amazing Grace Baptist Church, 6902 N.E. Hazel Dell Ave., at 12:39 a.m. Sunday, and found flames spreading through the building. The fire caused an estimated $1.5 million in damage to the building and the items inside, according to the Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office.
Pastor Dean Clarkson said without an available building, he’s holding tonight’s prayer and Bible study at his home. As for Sunday’s service, he’s looking into the Boys & Girls Club clubhouse across the street from the church, and other churches have offered their spaces. About 140 people attend Amazing Grace’s Sunday worship service, he said.
“We’ll play it by ear,” Clarkson said.
For the past 16 years, he’s led services at the church, which he says is about 40 years old. So far, he hasn’t been able to return to the building to salvage belongings.
Officials said they believe the fire started outside the building on its west side, which is the back of the church. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office at 360-397-2186, ext. 3321.
