Fire destroyed a 46-year-old church early Monday morning in the Southside community just south of Batesville.
Southside Fire Chief Jeremy Loggins said the blaze was first reported at the Southside United Methodist Church on Magnolia Road shortly before midnight.
Fifteen firefighters poured more than 50,000 gallons of water on the church, but the fire gutted the brick building. No firefighters were injured.
Loggins said investigators will inspect the damage today to determine the cause. The chief said it appeared the fire may have begun in a gas heater unit in the church's attic.
Roger Hook, who became the church's pastor in July, said members have already talked about rebuilding and had bought land adjacent to the 3,300-square foot church building a week ago.
"In the midst of difficulty, there is opportunity," Hook said. "The church building has a lot of memories held by our people. There's a good spirit, and we will rebuild."
Hook held services there Sunday morning, but there were no evening services.
"It's very difficult to see," he said of the charred remains of his church. "Eleven hours after our last service, our lives have changed."
The Southside School District will allow members of the Southside United Methodist Church to meet in a school building Sundays until a new church is built, Hook said.
State Desk on 11/25/2014