Updates on Fire at Spencerville, Maryland, Church
12 August 2024 |
Around 1:45 a.m. on August 9, the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service officials sent 70 firefighters in response to a two-fire alarm at the Spencerville Seventh-day Adventist Church. Early Friday morning the firefighting crew turned onto New Hampshire Road to heavy smoke in the building and flames. Fortunately, the building had no occupants due to the early hour, thus avoiding fatalities or injuries the incident might have caused. The fire was extinguished around 5:30 a.m.
Some assumed that the fire was caused by storms earlier in the evening due to high winds or lightning; however, officials have ruled out this possibility. The origin of the fire seems to have been an electrical issue within the audio-visual booth at the back of the sanctuary, leading the fire to spread into the main sanctuary and other portions of the building. The incident caused significant damage to the structure as well as to the piano, organ, and technical systems.
The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service Public Information Officer has shared an estimate of around $5 million in damages. A statement released after the incident commended the first responders that diligently handled the incident and provided necessary information for the congregants on the upcoming service, but the senior pastor, Chad Stuart, had a chance to express their grief at the unfortunate crisis.
“We mourn the loss of the house where the Spencerville family has worshiped our Savior, Jesus Christ, for nearly 45 years. But we do not mourn without hope, because we know that worship of Jesus is not limited to a building and that the church is not a place, but it is the collective people of God coming together—believing that out of ashes Jesus gives life and revival. Thank you for your prayers, and join us in stepping forward in our grief as we trust in the new thing God will do that we cannot yet see!”
Sabbath services were held on August 10 at 11:30 a.m. in the auditorium of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Many congregants and church leaders will be dedicating the foreseeable future to estimating the extent of the damage both physical and financial. It has not been determined whether the Spencerville Church will build a new building or attempt to find another church to hold services. Updates will be provided as the situation develops.
