Despite the damages, Austin Fire Department Division Chief Thayer Smith commended the quick response to the fire from both bystanders and firefighters, saying, “Good response from the citizens getting us notified and good response getting there and a quick knockdown.”
Nevertheless, even while the church was kept from being destroyed, the damages caused by the fire represent a great loss.
“[The fact that] someone would destroy a historical icon that’s been in this community as long as it has been…deeply heartbreaking,” Austin said.
Austin told KVUE that the congregation intends to restore the structure, noting the church building’s “legacy and heritage.”
“It means so much to some of the members. Some of the members grew up in this church,” he said. “I do not want to deter those members from continuing to worship here and to remember those good times they’ve had with family.”
Austin added, “I do know we serve a God that is able to do all things. That’s why we call him Jehovah-Jireh.”
Austin said that he intends to continue preaching hope, starting this coming Sunday.
“When the unexpected shows up, I think that’s the text we’ll be using,” he said. “Spiritually, we’re in good shape…We’re going to be okay.”
RELATED: For Many Congregations, Wiping out Medical Debt Has Become a Popular Calling
Further details about the cause of the fire have not been released, as the investigation is ongoing.
