The church building was deemed a total loss.
Despite the tragedy, Tiki Dixon, the church’s pastor, expressed to WTVC that he is still hopeful about St. Mark AME Zion Church’s vision to be a benefit to the community.
“We want to continue that tradition, and continue to build on what God has already started,” Dixon said.
The church has met at the location since the 1860s.
Hickox is being held at the McMinn County Justice Center. A public defender has been appointed to represent him.
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Hickox is not currently facing any charges related to the arson of St. Mark AME Zion Church, but the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation indicated that more charges are forthcoming.
 Zion Church in Athens, Tennessee, on Aug. 15. After the fire was extinguished, the body of 69-year-old Linda Buchanan was found in the wreckage.){kind=link}