Historic Antioch Baptist Church devastated by fire

Photos by Andrew Odom

Historic Antioch Baptist Church devastated by fire

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Wednesday, June 10. 2009

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The historic Antioch Baptist on Yatesville Road, pastored by Dr. Jeffery Morgan, was heavily damaged Wednesday by fire. (interview video after jump)

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#1 Ginger Cannon on 06/10/09 at 04:11 PM

This was my childhood church home. Like so many others, I have so many memories in that building. It breaks my heart. My prayers are with all involved.

#2 Anonymous on 06/10/09 at 04:17 PM

(Comment removed)

#2.1 margaret mccook on 06/10/09 at 04:32 PM

#2 - How inconsiderate could you be? This is MY church!! Who gave you the right to make jokes about somebody farting??? What about all of us who are hurting and lost something dear to our hearts? This church has been around for years and has a long legacy to many families around here. How about showing some concern instead of ignorance!!!!!

#2.1.1 Beaver Dean on 06/11/09 at 09:58 PM

I am blesses not to had read the remakers that every one is talking about but there are a few thing I would like to share.My daughter was 5yrs old when we became friends with the Abbot family. through this friedship we attend the church from time to time to hear Leigh and Hannah sing or for all three of the dean children to attend v.b.s.and what a great time and learing about God thay had.My daughter attend Hannah at the alter when she took the oth of marrige:we also saw Ashly get married at the church.. when I heared of the burning of the church I said a prayer for the familes that attend there .While praying I remember the day that Bonnie shared with me about the men of the church praying for Hannahs Life as a baby born with heart problems.Then I saw the photo of the man with the cross on his back and I tought of the words to one of my favorite hymns Just Pick Up Your Cross and Follow Close to me : so the familys should hold their heads high ,remember that God has plans for the church that are bigger and better than we understand at this time.My family will pray for the church .Also thank you for all the wonderful teaching about Jesus my children recived at Antioch.

#2.2 Sheila Tolley on 06/10/09 at 05:28 PM

You should use anonymous with this ugly comment.

#2.3 Anonymous on 06/10/09 at 05:33 PM

I can't believe you crack a joke at this. You ought to be ashamed of yourself!

#2.4 Sympathetic 8767 on 06/10/09 at 06:09 PM

You are so stupid. There are alot of people hurt and devastated by this loss. Show some respect instead of your immaturity.

To all of the church members, I am so sorry for your loss, you will be in my thoughts and prayers.I hope that some of the church will be able to be salvaged. I've been to this church several times and the church itself was in great shape even though it was very old. I have some relatives who are buried at this church and I know when I heard of this loss, I feel so horrible for everyone who attends this church because they have been hit hard with theft, and now this fire. I wish each of you the best.

#2.5 lca on 06/10/09 at 06:33 PM

#2 Anonymous - You need to stay that way! That was a really crude, rude and unchristian commit and you shouldn't be allowed to have a computer to enable you to put stuff like that on the internet. That was a beautiful historical church with a lot of wonderful people that are members. Please be ashamed of yourself - you owe them everyon an apology.

#3 Paul Kunst on 06/10/09 at 05:10 PM

This is my church. This loss is devastating to me, my family and my church family. I've been a member 9 yrs now, and as badly as I feel about it, I know the older members have to feel even worse. My heart goes out to them all.

#4 christian friend on 06/10/09 at 06:24 PM

Great pics! Thanks! They really bring home the devastation that this family of Christians are feeling.
To the members: Remember that this will make you stronger! God be with you!

#5 Joey Bowden on 06/10/09 at 06:47 PM

I have been a member of Antioch now for 5 or 6 years, I have a lot of memories in this church my wife and I was married here 3 years ago by Dr Jeffery Morgan and thats just one of the memories I have, I know God is good and he will Give Brother Jeff the strenth to get us through this as a family, Thanks to all the emergency crews for working so hard today for our church God Bless you all.

#6 Ima Stinker on 06/10/09 at 06:52 PM

Has it been disclosed what caused the fire? Was it accidental or purposely set? Hmm...at least we know Henry is in the nervous hospital so he can't be blamed. If the fire was not accidental, just remember, there were 3 serial church burning arsonists paroled back into the area a few months ago. One in particular is on parole for over a 100 years after a sentence of 551 years and serving only 17 years of his term. Remember, car thieves steal cars, drug dealers sell drugs, rapists rape, burglars break into houses, arsonists burn things, etc..etc. I guess I am a skeptical person who believes that prisons do not rehabilitate. Reading the newspapers everyday confirms the majority of parolees go back to the joint after being unable to function in society. I am NOT saying the paroled church burners had anything to do with this incident. Hmmmm?

#6.1 Anonymous on 06/10/09 at 10:06 PM

sure sounds like you are jumping to conclusions. i to am interested in the cause of the fire however.

#7 Barbara Wilkinson on 06/10/09 at 06:59 PM

Does anyone know what happened? Do they have any idea what caused it? I am so sorry for all the members. You are in my prayer.

#8 Anonymous on 06/10/09 at 07:21 PM

It's just a building. Maybe you can move on now and see the truth behind religion. Or just keep throwing money in the collection tray and hope they build a new one to make yourself feel better.

#8.1 Anonymous on 06/10/09 at 07:43 PM

That building is a part of the history of this area. It's not just a building.

#8.2 Anonymous on 06/10/09 at 07:58 PM

This is not just a building. It has history some of us have been going to this church for years and their family before them. It is not just a building, it is where I go every Sunday to learn more about God and be with my caring church family. This is a horrible loss to us. But with Gods help He and Pastor Jeff will get us threw this horrible disaster. This happened for a reason. We don't know that reason, but God does.

#8.3 Ginger Cannon on 06/10/09 at 08:07 PM

First of all MR/Mrs Anonymous, notice I have the guts to put my name on this. Second, whatever your religous "insights" are, they are not shared by most of the readers here. Please move on. If this is not important to you, move on. Whether you believe in God or not, people are in pain. Why go out of your way to be cruel and hurtful? Maybe some element of this does bother you after all. You did take the time to post a comment. HMMM.
Something to think about. Anyway, it is a building. It is what goes on inside that counts. Maybe thats what you are afraid of. Jesus still loves you and so will I. God Bless. You are in my prayers whether you want them or not.

#8.4 Jeff Sanders on 06/10/09 at 08:46 PM

First of all this is not just a building. It is filled with humans serving Our God and loving each other regardless of our faults. As far as throwing our money away in the collection plate: It is commanded by God to give at least 10% of our income back to him so the Church and its many missions can be realized. As a member of Pike Assembly I have sometimes given more than I thought we should knowing we had bills to pay. God has always provided more than we gave. You should try God for a change and stop supporting the devil. To the many firefighters from every fire dept in Upson Co. and those from Lamar and Pike County: thanks for all your efforts in trying to save God's house of workship!

#9 A.Bowden on 06/10/09 at 07:22 PM

I have gone to Antioch my whole life and you couldn't ask for a more loving church family. It was amazing to me to be able to talk with some of the elders of the church today and hear the optimism in their voices of what the future might hold for us.This is a sad time for Antioch but we will get through it as we always overcome the trials we have been through as a church family . It breaks my heart to know that the nurseries I was cared for in as a child and the aisle I walked down on my wedding day is gone. But God has a plan for Antioch and I'm sure Pastor Jeff will make sure that Antioch follows the path God sets out for us.

#10 HLP on 06/10/09 at 07:53 PM

To the members of Antioch, you are being lifted up to God. He will bring you through this a much stronger people. Yes, it is just a building. The church is the people that make up the group. Whatever brings you closer to God will make you better.

To Drew: Wow!! You did an excellent job with the photos. Keep up the good work.

#11 H B on 06/10/09 at 07:57 PM

I just came from the Church, and I felt alot of sadness by the loss the membership has sustained. I hope they will receive the
resources to rebuild this wonderful old building.
This Church first began in 1823, and has withstood alot since then, I am sure this will be overcome.
My Great Great Grandfather, who was a Veteran of the War Between the States, along with his wife, joined Antioch in 1870, which is part of the church records. So I too am saddened by this event.

#12 capt, d, on 06/10/09 at 08:25 PM

fires are a burning bush

#13 J Diane on 06/10/09 at 08:29 PM

I just left the church, and it was heart breaking to see it in this state. But I know we will get threw this. I love this church and the people here and i know we are strong, and with prayer we will come out of this ok.

#14 Michael & Raven Weldon on 06/10/09 at 08:35 PM

We are deeply saddened by the fire at our "old home church," where we shared such "precious memories," that will forever remain in our hearts...Antioch is not just a building, it's a House of the Lord, holding a special place in the hearts of so many people. This church is full of many "saints" that have touched our family and ministered to us in our time of need. We dearly love you all!!

#15 Rachel Huff on 06/11/09 at 12:47 AM

I had the privilege of meeting with each of the members of Antioch Baptist recently and it was wonderful getting the chance to interact with them! My heart goes out to each of the members and the Morgan family! You are all in my prayers! Remember, God was not surprised by this fire - it is all in His plan!
Let me know if there is anything I can do!

#16 Enoc Siuol on 06/11/09 at 05:57 AM

This is a tragedy and indeed and a set back for this church community. As the Phoenix rose from the ashes so will this congregation. The wisdom to turn disaster into an opportunity of growth is second nature to people who know the power of God’s love. Exciting times are ahead, to be able to give of ones self, brings folks together like no other way. To the Antioch Baptism Church community you will persevere and be greater than in the past.

#17 terry nicholson on 06/11/09 at 05:58 AM

to the members: you all know the building isn't the church, you, as a group are the church. God will not give you more than you can carry.

this church will handle this fire as it does everything else, with prayer. you have all prayed many prayers for and with me. i truly appreciate them all. know you are in my prayers. this beautiful old building may not stand after this, but the church always will. God bless.

#18 MO on 06/11/09 at 06:00 AM

Thanks for sharing this story of faith with the world through these photographs. Obviously God's love and power was a source of strength for those who were on the scene of this tragic fire.

Andrew your photographs truly tell the story. We appreciate the great coverage.

#19 N Figueroa on 06/11/09 at 08:14 AM

True, it is 'just a building' but so many memories from my childhood thru my adult life happened there. The first time I walked through those doors I was only a couple weeks old in my parent's arms. When I was 9 I walked down that aisle and was saved. I watched both my sisters walk down that aisle and get married. I attended the funeral and memorial services for my granny and uncle Benny there. My son recently walked down that aisle and was saved. These are only a small few of the memories that 'building' holds for me. Even though the building is gone I will hold those memories close to my heart forever. I do not know what God's plan for the Antioch church family is but I know he has one and yesterday I saw the love so many have for our church expressed in so many ways. People coming together to pray or providing water to the people fighting the fire. I watched awed as members braved the smoke to save some of our history; the pulpit, communion table, cross, pews and so much more. So yes it is just a building but there are so many memories are attached to that building that as I watched it burn I literally felt like I was loosing a member of my family. We may be able to rebuild our church, may even be able to make it bigger and 'better' but I would not trade it for that building that holds so many memories for so many people. But what's done is done. The church family will look forward to the future and rebuild because when it comes down to it, the heart of the church remains intact and strong within the hearts of every member. God Bless.

#20 Jerry Cross on 06/11/09 at 09:03 AM

When i received the telephone call on Wednesday afternoon informing me of this news, it was onr of those moments when i felt as it all the air had been sucked out of the room.
I had the privilege of serving Antioch Baptist Church as Pastor from 1991 until 1996. This was my first church. I've never been associated with a finer group of loving, Christian familes than the Antioch Baptist Church family, and my prayers are with them at this challenging time.
My wife and i sat crying as we viewed the photos of the fire's devestation. Thank you to all those who worked tirelessly in attempting to extinguish the flames. The people of Antioch Baptist Church will be okay. Certainly they are hurting right now, but God is still in HIS throne!
The love and prayers of myself and my family are with our friends at Antioch.
God Bless you all!

#21 Will Parker on 06/11/09 at 09:14 AM

I have never felt so loved and attached to anybody as much as i am to the people that go to Antioch Baptist Church. i have been going here for almost 8 years, and i can honestly say everybody here has cared for me and loved me more then you or i could ever imagine. As many people have said before "it was just the building that was burned, not the church". I want to thank all of the firefighters and everyone else that was there helping. GOD has a special reason for what has happened. The firefighters fought the physical battle with fire, but we ALL fight the spirital fire. We as the church will pull through this tough time and come back much bigger and stronger. another quote everybody knows is " what doesnt kill you only makes you stronger". I am proud to say that i am a member at Antioch Baptist Church. 1 cor 3:12-15

#22 thuckaby on 06/11/09 at 11:09 AM

To all the members of Antioch Church,our love and prayers are with you,and just remember when GOD closes one door he always opens another..just because the devil tried to destroy the building , HE CAN'T DESTROY YOUR FAITH.....

#23 brandy.bell on 06/11/09 at 12:10 PM

I am not a member of this church, but I have attended services with my fiance. The church is charming, and everyone I've met has been so nice. To see a house of worship burn is always a sad event, whatever your faith. I hadn't intended to post here, but this poem was sent to me today, and I felt it was especially poignant right now.

Horses At Midnight Without A Moon

by: Jack Gilbert

Our heart wanders lost in the dark woods.
Our dream wrestles in the castle of doubt.
But there's music in us. Hope is pushed down
but the angel flies up again taking us with her.
The summer mornings begin inch by inch
while we sleep, and walk with us later
as long-legged beauty through
the dirty streets. It is no surprise
that danger and suffering surround us.
What astonishes is the singing.
We know the horses are there in the dark
meadow because we can smell them,
can hear them breathing.
Our spirit persists like a man struggling
through the frozen valley
who suddenly smells flowers
and realizes the snow is melting
out of sight on top of the mountain,
knows that spring has begun.

I am sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts.

#23.1 Abigail Morgan on 06/11/09 at 01:25 PM

And we know that all things work for the good of those who love the lord.
Romans 8:28

#24 Anonymous on 06/11/09 at 12:40 PM

I saw 7 Barnesville-Lamar County firefighters and 4 Upson County firefighters.

#24.1 Anonymous on 06/11/09 at 08:12 PM

There were actually over 15 Lamar County/Barnesville Firefighters on scene. There were more from Lamar County there than from Upson! Lamar county firefighters were the ones going in to make an interior attack on the fire not Upson!!! Thanks to Lamar county firefighters & their support!

#24.1.1 Anonymous on 06/11/09 at 09:45 PM

I saw 11 firefighters. Not 15. Guess. What you name?

#24.1.2 Nicky Hamby on 06/12/09 at 07:29 AM

Just to verify. There were at least 20 firefighters from Upson County that responded to this fire, but that is beside the point. I personally would like to thank ALL the VOULUNTEER and PAID FIREFIGHTERS that repsonded no matter where they came from. You have a cause that makes people leave their work and respond to a call that benifits them in no way other than helping other people when they need them and people want to get petty about where they came from. Be thankful that you have these people to volunteer there time to do a job that they recieve no pay for but still risk there lives.
To the members of all responding Fire Units:
THANK YOU FOR COMING IN A TIME OF NEED.
To all the members of Antioch Baptist Church:
Our thoughts and prayers will remain with you.

ON a final note:
Judge not least you be judged.

#25 Abigail Morgan on 06/11/09 at 12:53 PM

And we know that all things work together for the good of those that love the lord.
Romans 8:28

#26 Anonymous on 06/11/09 at 01:17 PM

One paid firefighter on duty in Lamar County? How many paid firefighters on duty? Fire chief want 9 fulltime. Jay Matthews said I have no problem going for 3, We are fooling ourselves if we think we can go for 9. The chairman noted applying for 9. The idea of 9 firefighters staying at the new station 24 hours.

He noted the engine and ambulance now in Milner will be moved to the new station. Those at the Parker Branch Road station will then move to Milner, freeing up the Parker Branch station for occupation by volunteers to live there under the rent free plan.

#26.1 Anonymous on 06/12/09 at 01:52 PM

I hear Lamar County Borad of Commissioners. Vote 3-2. Yes 9 paid firefighters staying at the new station 24 hours. And 9 volunteer firefighters stay at the Parker Branch or Piedmont station (rent free) 24 hours.

#27 Leigh Dean on 06/12/09 at 07:13 AM

The first time I walked through the door's of antioch baptist I was maybe 7 years old or so. I was coming to VBS with Hannah Grace. I remember how much fun we had, and how much fun the adults seem to be having with us. So much time and hard work was put in to make sure that we kids had the time of our lives. Another year at VBS for our parents preformance we sang Awesome God by Rich Mullins. I remember sitting there practicing the song and Ms Bonnie telling us how awesome our God really was and to sing like he was an awesome God. So be encouraged antioch, like you tought me years ago, our God is an AWESOME GOD!!

"The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!"

Lamentations 3:22-24

#28 Leigh Dean on 06/12/09 at 07:16 AM

#28.1 Bonny A on 06/13/09 at 08:58 AM

Thanks, Leigh-Leigh, I have so many memories of precious children such as you who came with open hearts to hear about God's love. Praise God for He is indeed awesome and I look forward to watching many more children grow at Antioch. There is so much love found at our church. We realize it's not the building but it does not keep our hearts from being broken. I can't help but think of all the great things our awesome God can do with broken and willing hearts--so many hearts at Antioch ready and willing to serve. Continue to keep us in your prayers. I am excited to watch God begin to move--I saw God EVERYWHERE on Wednesday--from the firefighters who fought so hard to the members who came to cry and pray. In fact, 3000 miles away in Guaimaca, Honduras where Jimmy was serving on a mission trip about 50 people gathered to pray when I called to tell Jimmy the church was on fire. How cool is that? Thanks again for all the love and support of our church. God calls us each to serve -- I am so thankful he has called me to Antioch.

#29 Anonymous on 06/12/09 at 08:29 AM

This is a very sad story. My prayers are with the pastor and all the wonderful members of this church. I am curious to know if they have determined a cause for this terrible fire.

#29.1 Jeffrey Morgan on 06/12/09 at 03:16 PM

My name is Jeffrey Morgan and I am the pastor of Antioch Baptist Church. Due to the events of the last few days this is the first time I have been able to read and give a response to your comments. First of all, on behalf of our church, thank you to everyone for their thoughts, prayers, visits, etc. I cannot begin to describe the generosity poured out on our church family by so many. Second, a special word of thanks to the firefighters who did a fantastic job. I watched volunteer firefighters enter a burning building and risk their lives for us. Please know our church family thanks you for your efforts and success in extinguishing the fire. Third, to our surrounding community for bringing water bottles, moving stuff out of the buildings, giving hugs and prayers, thank you. Also, special thanks to the many pastors who offered their places of worship for our use. 10-15 pastors have personally visited me and I thank you all. Special thanks also to the Herald Gazette's Andrew Odum for his professionalism displayed at the church. Last but not least, I would like to thanks the members of Antioch Baptist Church for their spending many hours in the past few days for literally attempting to rebuild the whole infrastructure of our church. I love you all!
As Christians, we are ever mindful that God uses the positive and negative events of life to achieve His purposes. My daughter Abigail stated this by quoting Romans 8:28. Our trust is in Him. I pray this event will also remind us to show compassion to others who walk through similar trials.
At this point our plans are to move our worship service into our Fellowship Hall and meet Sunday mornings at 11:00 A.M. Please keep us in your prayers. May God bless you all. - Pastor Jeff

#30 Tim Gordy on 06/12/09 at 08:06 PM

First all i would God Bless all the members of Antioch Baptist Church my heart goes out to u all.I Am member of Yatesville and RockHill fire depts. God will provide a bigger and better church our thoughts and prayers go out to u we r here for u. and the guy across the street GOD BLESS U.Thanks to all fire units from Upson,Lamar,and Pike counties we all worked hard thanks.ut i would all so like to say who cares how many firefighters were on scene we was all together at God's house trying to save it why would u want to make rude comments like that.God bless.

#31 Pat Turner on 06/15/09 at 04:00 PM

To all members of Antioch Baptist Church, my prayers go out to all of you. There is a miracle in this, and only the good Lord knows what will happen next. To all the VOLUNTEER firemen/fireladies who came to save God's house, thank you. My son,(Tim Gordy) was one of the first ones there to help put out this fire. He VOLUNTEERS his time with Rock Hill, Yatesville, Northside, and other's when needed, and he also works for the Thomaston Fire Dept, because he loves what he does. He has a passion for what he does, just like the other's do. There is a shirt that he wears sometime that says: WE FIGHT WHAT YOU FEAR. I wonder how many of us would go into a burning building like they do, to save a life or to save a piece of history like those fire persons did at Antioch Baptist Church. And to the man across the road that fussed at the firemen who were taking water out of the pond THAT THE GOOD LORD PROVIDED FOR THE FIREMEN to use, I am praying for you also. And for you to have the nerve to tell the firemen you wanted an account of all the water they used out of that pond, how dare you. One of these days, YOU WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR WHAT YOU DID OR DID NOT DO FOR YOUR FELLOW BEINGS. I pray that you will never need the volunteer firemens services. May God be with you sir.

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