Firefighters investigate the burning of a historic church in South Austin.

Austin, Texas – Goodwill Baptist Church in South Austin caught fire on Monday night. Detectives said someone set it on fire.

At approximately 11:30 p.m. on March 6, the Austin Fire Department received a call that the Goodwill Baptist Church in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood of South Austin was on fire.

“It’s a tragedy to see this happen, but we bless God because we know it’s happening in a wonderful and strange way, so we trust He will let us recover from it,” said Calvin Austin, senior pastor of Good Baptist Church. will. .

A small church of about 15 or 20 members served in the Austin area for almost 120 years. Now he needs help to recover. Damage is estimated at about $200,000.

“We just would like to hear your prayers, pray for us and God will bless and keep us,” Pastor Austin said.

Detectives said the fire started in the Hall of the Fellowship. Crews were able to stop him within minutes.

“Good reaction from citizens warning us and good reaction coming there and quick culling,” said Thayer Smith, Austin Fire Chief.

Smith said crews worked diligently to preserve the history of the building.

“We are well versed in what we call refurbishment and inspection where we cover objects, cause as little damage as possible, we have thermal imaging cameras, you know, so you can look at walls for heat spots and not tear them apart. “, – he said. Smith said.

All that remains is smoke and water damage and an investigation. The Austin Fire Department suspects the fire was started on purpose.

“This fire is classified as arson, which means that it started where the fire should not have been. There were no random causes, so an investigation is underway, ”Smith said.

There is a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest.

If you would like to help rebuild the church, please email [email protected]

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The post Firefighters investigate the burning of a historic church in South Austin.

first appeared on Texas Standard News.

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