Monday, April 17, 2000

Franklin Baptist Church services held at nearby school after fire

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BY Cindi Andrews
The Cincinnati Enquirer

        FRANKLIN — Members of Franklin Baptist Church, burned out of their home of 35 years, sang of victory Sunday in a nearby school.

        No matter that sunlight filtered through glass blocks instead of stained glass, or that they sat on folding metal chairs instead of padded pews.

        “Both my daughters were married in that church,” said Jean Lovin, 57, of Franklin. “But we can still have our memories. That was just the building; we are the church.”

        She and other members lifted their voices to sing “Victory in Jesus” and “Faith is the Victory.”

        “The ministry of God continues because the ministry is in the hearts of the people,” the Rev. Dale Chambers told the crowd of about 90 in Schenck Elementary's gymnasium. “I'm excited to see what God is going to do ... God takes care of his people.”

        Electrical wiring in the church office is suspected as the cause of Wednesday's fire.

        No one was injured.

        Insurance is expected to cover the $350,000 damage and donation offers have begun. Hymnals used Sunday were given by a Beavercreek church.

        Wednesday and Sunday services will be held at Schenck until the church, on nearby Deardoff Road, is rebuilt — possibly by late summer, the Rev. Mr. Chambers said.

        Several people teared up Sunday when talking about the loss.

        “It just made me real sick,” said Orpha Jackson, 60, of Miamisburg. “Things happen. You just go on and do the best you can do.”

       

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