Saturday, April 15, 2000
Hope rises from smoldering church
Pastor preaches message of survival
BY Janet C. Wetzel and David Eck
The Cincinnati Enquirer
FRANKLIN — While many observe Palm Sunday this weekend, members of Franklin Baptist Church will celebrate survival.
“I'll be talking about the blessings of God, and about the challenge to go forward,” Pastor Dale Chambers said Friday. Gary and Monnie Bacon, missionaries from Mexico, also will speak during services, he said.
A fire Wednesday afternoon ravaged the church on Deardoff Road that Pastor Chambers built more than 35 years ago. But the blaze didn't singe his faith.
“We're doing great,” Pastor Chambers said Friday. “God's grace is sufficient. He always meets our needs.”
As he stood amid the ruins of his church this week, Pastor Chambers saw hope.
“God's got something in store for us,” he said. “The church is the people. We'll just continue on.”
Sunday services will be held at the regular time in nearby Schenck Elementary School, 350 Arlington St.
The blaze, which Franklin fire officials said was electrical, caused about $375,000 in damage. Everyone inside escaped unharmed. An insurance adjuster is expected to visit Wednesday to see how much of the structure can be saved, Pastor Chambers said. He hopes to have a new building completed by late summer.
About 100 of the church's 150 regular attendees came to an outdoor service Wednesday night — as the fire still smoldered in the background. .
That strength will come from people like Pastor Oscar Perry of Portsmouth Baptist Church in Scioto County, Pastor Chambers' best friend for 40 years.
“I think sometimes the Lord allows this to happen just to shake up the status quo,” Pastor Perry said.
The fire claimed Pastor Chambers' extensive library and the mementos of a 35-year career. A traveling singing group lost about $20,000 in musical equipment. And some members also lost favorite, well-worn Bibles.
Dow, Nasdaq suffer biggest 1-day drops
6 accused in airman's death
City: No misuse of tourism money
County: Bengals violated policy on bids
A father's story
Forgery scheme alleged
Hope rises from smoldering church
Portune-Bedinghaus battle may cost $1 million
Seniors' test scores highest ever
Tougher teacher training sought Union wants higher standards
Clinton backs school tests
Dowlin less of a target, raises less cash
Enquirer ex-editor sues Gannett
Father charged in infant's death
Get to it
Language of Miamis fades in history
Man accused in Fairfield Twp. rape
New 'home' will best NFL's best
New Monroe Local school district gets to work
Norwood budgets less for recreation
Painful lessons learned
Program receives $250M to help increase city's home ownership
Railroad to depart from Mason
Reward offered in hit-and-run death
School outlay reduced
Sex industry workers offered escape
TRISTATE A.M. REPORT
Winton Woods Cleanup to maintain, beautify park
Woman accused in robbery
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
