GASTONIA, N.C. — A Gastonia community is heartbroken after a devastating fire destroyed a local church on Christmas day.
Throughout the day several people stopped by The Place Church, some of who are church members and community members to see the ruins. Many say they are just shocked to see the church building just gone.
Pastor Ronald Duncan said their church family is trying to wrap their heads around this loss but he is confident they will get through this.
Authorities are investigating a fire that burned the place of worship. According to the Gastonia Fire Department, firefighters responded to a fire at The Place Church on York Highway around 3:05 p.m.
The fire had visibly damaged much of the church's exterior. No injuries were reported from the fire.
Gastonia firefighters worked to extinguish the fire for over four hours and were at the scene throughout the night.
A Christmas Sunday service was held just hours before the fire.
“We had a beautiful Christmas service and we had a great turnout and like usual we felt the spirit of the lord there,” said Duncan.
It was only a few hours after holding Christmas service on Sunday that Pastor Duncan received the devastating call about the church being up in flames.
“I believe I was weak,” he said, “I was numb… just trying to digest it all it.”
Phil Welch, Gastonia Fire Chief, said there were about 50-60 firefighters on the scene.
“Within the first couple of hours, we had a collapse of the roof which complicated extinguishment and so as darkness came on we were able to knock it out enough to leave just two crews overnight,” said Welch.
Fire crews were able to contain the fire and save the auto shop right next door.
Joshua Bradshaw’s family owns Wright’s Body Shop and came to check it out after news broke of the fire.
“It caught on fire a little bit in the back. When we first got here firefighters were quick to get that out,” he said.
The church burned down to the ground and is a total loss.
“Ever since I was alive for 20 years, there has always been a building there,” said Bradshaw. “It’s going to take some time to get used to that.”
Duncan’s daughter saved a charred bible from the remains as the family tries to cope with the loss.
“A lot of children weren’t born here but they were raised here. A lot of people were married here. There’s a lot of memories here at the church place,” said Duncan.
He said he is thankful for the outpouring of support as they work to find a temporary location.
“Many pastors have opened up their doors and said we can use their sanctuaries on off hours, some said we can use their gyms,” said Duncan.
The community is leaning on faith.
“We are resilient people and we are going to get through this and god is going to get the glory for this story,” he said.
Pastor Duncan said they may have lost their building but not their church and they will find a way to come together and worship.
The cause of the fire has not been determined at this time.
The Gastonia Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating this incident but at this time, says nothing appears to be suspicious. More information will be provided when it is available.
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