On Sunday, Feb. 17, Hillcrest Baptist Church in Dalzell burned to the ground. Neither the sheriff’s department nor the fire department suspected arson or foul play. The church was built in 1985.
Pastor Wayne Hunter and his wife Joyce received a call about 4:50 Sunday morning that the church had burned down. When they arrived, the fire was completely extinguished except for a small flame in the back.
The church is located near the bottom of a small hill and only one fire truck could get near the building, even though several trucks were parked on the side of the road in front of the church.
The fire totally destroyed the church building and all of its furnishings. The shed next to the building did not burn, and the basketball goal was still standing. A large cross and small cross located on the front of the church were also spared.
The pastor said he was grateful that the fire had not happened while the members were there. A neighbor next door spotted the flames about 4 a.m. while he was fixing a baby bottle and phoned in the alarm to the fire department.
While the sheriff’s department and fire department were doing their investigation, Hunter called church members and met at his house for morning worship. Several options were discussed, but no decision has been reached about where the church will meet. Shaw Heights Baptist, Covenant Bible, Hickory Road Baptist, High Hills Baptist, and Christian Golfers Association offered temporary meeting rooms until the church can begin rebuilding. Alice Drive Baptist has taken love offerings in the three services. Hunter expresses his sincere thanks for these offers and donations, but the congregation will make the final decision sometime this week. Also, Monte Vista Baptist, Mountain Rest, and a church in Lexington have offered their help in rebuilding.