Ashland City Church Targeted By Arsonists

ASHLAND CITY, Tenn. -- A local congregation is trying to stay strong after they said someone tried to set their church on fire.

Video: Ashland City Church Targeted By Arsonists

When members arrived for services at Hope Worship Center in Ashland City Wednesday night, they said the basement door was broken and kicked off its hinges.

The pastor then found a ladder that was covered in fuel. Someone had lit the ladder, leaving a burn mark in the carpeting.

Only a few dozen people belong to the church, which is about a year old.

Church officials said in the spring that someone broke in and stole some electronics, and the front sign was vandalized in the fall.

As far as the reasons behind the violence, the police chief said he is stumped.

"Years ago, churches' doors were open all of the time. Now you have to lock them, and looks like you'll have to put cameras and alarms and everything else in there," said Ashland City Police Chief Marc Coulon.

Despite these break-ins, the congregations said Sunday services will take place.

"I don't hold any hard feelings towards them. But at the same time, I know you have to take responsibility for your actions,” said pastor Rick Walsh.

No other churches in the area have been hit.

However, Walsh is contacting his colleagues at other local congregations, warning them of the danger.

Investigators hope the publicity of this story will help them find clues that will lead to an arrest.