Story Published:
May 7, 2008 at 12:32 PM CDT
Story Updated:
May 7, 2008 at 5:04 PM CDT
MARIONVILLE, Mo. -- Lightning may have started a fire in the attic of a 107-year-old country church on Wednesday morning. Around 10 a.m., a passerby called 911 after noticing flames coming from Mount Olive United Methodist just north of Marionville.
Four fire departments fought the fire for several hours. The pastor says the building might have to be bulldozed and those who worship there are mourning their loss. Mount Olive dates back to 1891.
"It's a smaller congregation that's been very faithful. Proportionally, they help so much. They do anything they can to make a difference in the world, and now's a time they may need some help,” said the Rev. Derek Harmon.
Harmon also serves the United Methodist Church in Billings. Mt. Olive's congregation of 20 may move there for the time being.
