175-Year-Old Alabama Church Destroyed in Late-Night Fire

A historic Alabama church that served generations of Christians was destroyed by a late-night fire Tuesday.

The fire erupted at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Pennington around 10 p.m. Aug. 18. Jerry Snowden, chairman of the church’s deacons, described the destruction as a “total loss,” according to The Alabama Baptist.

The congregation was formed in 1850, making it more than 175 years old. Its sanctuary stood at 572 Ebenezer Road in Choctaw County.

Pennington police, Choctaw County sheriff’s deputies and emergency medical personnel responded, according to . The Butler Volunteer Fire Department also assisted at the scene.

Firefighters remained at the property Wednesday morning extinguishing hot spots so investigators could safely examine the ruins. A church insurance representative also visited the property.

The Alabama State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause. Although community members have mentioned lightning as a possible cause, authorities have not confirmed how the fire started.

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No injuries have been reported. Church leaders have not announced where the congregation will hold future services or whether rebuilding plans have begun.

Let us pray for the Ebenezer Baptist Church family and the Pennington community as they grieve this devastating loss. May God comfort them, provide for their needs and guide the congregation as they determine their next steps.

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact media@.