The State Fire Marshall and insurance company personnel are in the process this week of determining the cause and assessing the damage following a fire at Bethlehem M.B. Church on Center Road in district four.
Attala County Fire Department and volunteers responded to a call to the church Friday, Sept. 23, at 11:30 a.m. after being alerted from a call by Sheriff Deputy Hugh Curry who arrived on the scene to find the church fully involved. Sheriff Tim Nail and Deputies Rusty McDaniel and Zelie Shaw also assisted.
Major damage was in the kitchen area in the rear of the church where the fire apparently started. Fire investigator Dwain Steed and the State Fire Marshall will continue the investigation to determine the cause.
Dr. Derrell G. Brooks, pastor, said the building is apparently a total loss even though investigations are not complete. Early this week, no arrangements had been made for a meeting place for the congregation, according to the pastor.
Dr. Brooks said the church is about 40 years old.
