July 3, 2009

LANGLEY, S.C. --- Investigators on the scene tell News 12 they believe a fire that damaged the Rocksville Baptist Church in Warrenville is arson. The church, located at 660 Pine Street suffered moderate smoke and heat damage and minimal structural damage thanks to a quick response.

At approximately 6:00 a.m., a neighbor heard the burglar alarm going off at the church and called dispatch. Upon closer inspection, they saw fire inside the building. Firefighters responded quickly and contained the fire to one area.

Investigators are still trying to determine if there was a forced entry since the fire was inside the structure. The Pastor tells us when the fire crews arrived, the back door to the church was open.

News 12's camera was inside the church where a hymnal is covered with charred remains, there are burned music sheets and soot covered walls. They are all signs of what investigators say is the work of an arsonist, or arsonists.

Pastor William Booker had an hour and half drive from home to the church to take it all in. "Initially it was frustrating," says Pastor Booker. "But it can be replaced. We don't feel disheartened toward whoever has done this, but we are praying for that person."

Investigators say something broke into the church and started the fire from inside, next to the altar. They are not sure if it was forced entry or not.

Hours later, members of the church were outside looking at the damage. "It's not that bad," says Glen Quattlebaum. "No matter how it looks, it's not that bad. We'll be back! Oh, we'll be back!"

"The first thing I said to them is that God is going to turn this thing around," says Booker. Turn it around for the good and turn it around pretty quickly. We're told they are going to hold Sunday worship at the Fellowship Hall right next door to the burned church.

"We're going to have just as good of a time as we did in the church," says Glen.

Now, a church will all new renovations is covered in smoke and whoever is responsible for it all, is in the prayers of those brought together on Friday.

Again, investigators do not have any suspects yet. They also stress they do not believe this is the work of a hate crime. Also, investigators are trying to figure out what was used to start the fire.