Lightning strike sparks fire, burning down 200-year-old GA church

The pastor of the church, Pastor Arianna Eberle, spoke with Channel 2 Action News, about what happened.

She said the church was struck by lightning at the steeple and that’s what caused the fire. Half of the building was destroyed in the fire and since the structure was so old, firefighters had to tear the sanctuary down to get the fire out.

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The pastor shared photos of the church after the damage. Eberle said Zebulon United Methodist was 202 years old and it was the first place of faith in Pike County.

The church was also the last standing Methodist church in Pike County. Leaders plan to still hold services on Sunday in the parking lot.

“Our hearts are broken at the loss of our beloved Zebulon United Methodist Church. First, we want to thank all of the community and public safety who came out to help -from Pike, Thomaston, Spalding, and probably more than we even know. The building may be a total loss, but we, the people, are the church. We will remain united in our love of God. On Sunday, we will worship in the parking lot with our lawn chairs. We ask all in the community to come join us at 9:30AM and celebrate God’s glory. Through it all, our cross still shines bright for the days ahead,” the church posted on Facebook.

Channel 2 Action News reached out to Pike County Fire Department for more details.

This was the second fire suspected of being caused by a lightning strike.

Earlier Wednesday, a fire ripped through townhomes and an apartment complex in metro Atlanta. Fire officials suspect a lightning strike may have been the cause of the fire.

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