BUFORD, Ga. — The fire that consumed the First Pentecostal Church of Buford on Thanksgiving left a void in the downtown community, but it did not take away the congregation’s Christmas spirit.
“We’re closer now than we were before this happened,” said Minister Benjamin Copeland. “We’re thankful that we didn’t lose any people. We’re thankful that our church family is still here.”
The flames, which destroyed the 92-year-old building, also sparked something powerful: Unity. Nearby churches, like the First United Methodist Church, opened their doors to ensure Sunday services continued without interruption.
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“We honestly have been amazed by the way the community of Buford has reached out to us,” Copeland said.
The church, a cornerstone of Buford for generations, has been a part of Copeland’s life since birth.
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This holiday season, its congregation is focusing on the deeper meanings of Christmas: faith, family, and resilience.
“The only time you can really show faith is when you’re in a time where you need it,” Copeland said. “When you don’t understand why things are happening.”
The fire began in the attic and quickly spread, leaving the church in ruins. Copeland shared that three young members of the congregation tried to extinguish the flames but narrowly escaped before the roof collapsed.
“The area they were in actually collapsed within one to two minutes from the time they left,” he said.
Despite the devastation, the congregation remains hopeful. They plan to rebuild the sanctuary and school stronger and brighter than before. In the meantime, they are celebrating the holiday with a renewed appreciation for the people in their lives.
“We’re not going anywhere,” Copeland said. “We feel that we are called to this city and to this community.”
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