HAMPTON, SC (WIS) - Fire destroyed the more than 100-year-old Sandy Run Baptist Church in the town of Hampton early Sunday morning.
Once the fire was out, smoke lingered over the scene and the debris left behind.
Pastor Paul Reid captured pictures of the orange glow Sunday morning, overtaking the sanctuary that stood tall more than 100 years.
The church was established in 1834. The current building went up in 1904. Generations of families have worshiped there.
Church member Libby Tuten says, "It was the mainstay for all of us around here."
Tuten started coming with her husband in the 1950s. They went to Sunday school together. She sang in the choir. She says, "I couldn't believe it, couldn't believe it was gone - absolutely torn up."
Hampton police officer Brad Drawdy was planning to get married here next spring. Drawdy says, "I hate to be selfish - but this is the place you're supposed to be getting married. What do you do?"
His fiance Melanie's mom and aunt were married there. Despite the fire, they want their wedding there, too. "We said we'd have it here. We'll still have it here on the grounds."
In the charred rubble, you can see what's left of the pine beams people donated more than a century ago to build the church. The original congregation constructed this building themselves.
Pastor Paul Reid told WIS News 10 parishioners held a service at 11:00am Sunday on a softball field next to the church. They will continue to hold services in the church's unharmed social hall.
Investigators told them they do not suspect arson. The congregation plans to rebuild.
Reported by Jennifer Wilson
Updated by Christine Gellatly
