FRANKLIN, TN (WSMV) -
More than 70 years of worship are just a memory at a Williamson County church after what began as a shed fire quickly spread to the sanctuary Monday.
The fire was reported at about 4:30 p.m. at the Pewitt's Chapel Free Will Baptist Church on Pewitt Road.
Pastor Chris Alonso said he had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach as he drove up to what was left of his church.
"I've seen a lot of buildings burn, but when it's yours it seems to hurt a little more," he said.
The church is a total loss, including the sanctuary built in the 1930s and a newer addition of a fellowship hall added on years later.
The fire apparently started when a maintenance man stored a hot riding lawn mower in a shed.
The church might have been saved if a fire hydrant had been closer. Volunteer firefighters from Williamson County had to truck in water from the nearest hydrant several miles away.
"We are in a rural part of the county. It's eight miles to a water source and eights miles back, so it's a 16-mile round trip. So that hampered our efforts," said Fire Marshall Bob Galoppi.
The heat also hampered the firefighting, but that wasn't the only complication. There's a 475-gallon propane tank near the church. The release tank opened like it should have, and that prevented an explosion. But it also fed the fire.
The pastor said this setback won't keep the congregation down. They will rebuild.
"Got to push through, get a new building up and we'll be back on Sunday mornings," Alonso said.
Many in the Congregation showed up to watch firefighters work. They said the church that has already made so many memories has a future ahead.
"I have to believe that God has a plan," Alonso said. "If I didn't believe He had a plan I'd be wasting my time on Sundays."
No one was injured in the fire, and firefighters worked late into the night Monday to extinguish any hot spots in the rubble.
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