Historic Columbus church catches fire, leaving parishioners without their worship space
A Columbus church is without its main place of worship after a fire broke out over the weekend.
The 24th Street Missionary Baptist Church off Veterans Parkway caught fire Friday night. The church was organized in 1921, built in 1935 and moved to its current location in 1955 under the Rev. M. Morris, according to a cornerstone on the building.
John Shull, division chief for Columbus Fire & EMS, said the fire department believes the fire originated from a trash can in close proximity to the church.
An arson investigation into the fire is underway, according to Shull. Shull said there were no injuries.
Curtis Green, lead pastor of 24th Street Missionary Baptist Church, told the Ledger-Enquirer in a written statement, “Hearing that our church had caught fire was devastating. This is a place that holds so much history and meaning for all of us — it’s where we gather to worship, celebrate, and support one another.”
He later wrote, “Even though our building has been damaged, our church is still very much alive. Our community is rallying together, and we’re supporting one another through this time, just as we always have.”
Green said the church has a difficult road ahead but already is looking to the future with faith and optimism.
“Our goal is to rebuild so that future generations can continue to experience this space and the community it fosters. We’re confident that, with the love and support of our congregation and the community around us, we’ll emerge from this stronger than ever,” Green wrote.
Green said the church asks for people’s prayers and positive thoughts in this challenging time. He said, “If people would like to support us in our journey to rebuild, we would be grateful.”
He concluded, “This fire has been a tremendous loss, but it’s also reminded us of the resilience and strength of our community. We’re united in our faith and determination to rebuild, and we’re ready to move forward together.”
Cheryl Williams-Allen drove by the church Monday morning. She is the granddaughter of John and Lizzie Howard, who helped found the church.
Williams-Allen said the church meant so much to her family. She and her family members were all baptized in the church.
While not being affiliated with the church for about 20 years, she said, “The love of the church is part of my memory. So, I just still had to come by to see it.”
Williams-Allen said she has so many precious memories of the church. They include Easter and Christmas programs her mom, Bessie Williams, oversaw.
Williams-Allen said she was sad to see the church in its current state after the fire. She asked, “Who would do something like this?”
Where future services will be held for the church in the meantime is unclear. The congregation held services Sunday at the Columbus Marriott on Front Avenue in downtown Columbus, according to the church’s Facebook page.
