WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Tenn. - A 76-year-old wooden church in rural Williamson
County didn't stand a chance when it caught fire earlier this week. Pewitt's
Chapel Free Will Baptist Church went up in flames in a matter of minutes.
Despite the loss, the congregation made a point to gather and worship together
on Sunday morning.
The pastor, Chris Alonso, said the message for the service would be similar
to that of David and Goliath. The fire was their Goliath to overcome. Alonso
found out two days after the church burned to the ground that they do not have
insurance on the building, and that all costs of rebuilding will be on the 50
or so members of their congregation.
"I believe it was all part of God's plan, as far as having answers, I'll
be the first one to say I don't know sometimes," said Alonso.
The fire started in a nearby shed that holds landscaping equipment. It's
stood in this rural part of Williamson County for 76 years. It's become a
pillar of hope for residents who had nowhere else to turn.
"It's heartbreaking; it's
heartbreaking," said one member.
Now these members must find around $120,000 to start rebuilding. The pastor
admits it will be an uphill battle, but one they can achieve together.
"He'll bring us through this if we all stay faithful and stay
together," said another member.
Worship, song and even baptisms went on as normal as possible on Sunday
morning. All of it restoring faith that Pewitt's chapel is not in the walls,
but wherever its devout members choose to be.
"The Lord has something better planned for this church, and we are
going to use our faith to go on and do God's will," said one member.
They are asking for help rebuilding. Donations can be made to Pewitt's
Chapel Church at any Bank of America. They are also asking for construction
materials or labor to start cleaning and rebuilding.
