Thursday afternoon fire destroys youth wing of Keene United Methodist Church

COSHOCTON Cause and extent of damages are still to be determined of a fire Thursday afternoon that devastated Keene United Methodist Church, 27100 County Road 1.

The blaze was reported shortly after 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Fire crews remained on scene for several hours after the fire was out removing items from the church and combating hot spots.

Chief Lynn Powelson of the Three Rivers Fire District said first responders arrived on scene to find a working structure fire with flames in the third story of the church and extending into the attic. A quick search of the church found it unoccupied and fire suppression was immediately initiated. Powelson said there were no injuries.

Fire spread was contained to the third story, but there was smoke and water damage throughout the building. The Ohio State Fire Marshal's Office has been called in to assist with the investigation.

Pastor Paula Marbury has led the church for more than four years. She and other parishioners were in the building in the morning and had no indication anything was wrong.

She said a church member was walking past the building later and noticed the siding was melting and smoke was coming out of the left side of the building.

“I came over and it had already filled the main hallways and going in the main doorway, you couldn’t see anything. It was black,” Marbury said of the thick smoke.

While there is smoke and water damage throughout the building, primarily scorched was a newer addition to the church, which is about 40 years old. It housed the Christian education wing and fellowship hall.

Marbury and church members stood on the side of the hill in front of the church as firefighters brought out photos and mementos. Marbury said tentative plans are to hold services this Sunday at the Keene Grange Hall on County Road 12.

The insurance company has been contacted and plans for reconstruction and church activities going forward still need to be made.

Fire companies assisting on scene included Walhonding, Coshocton, West Lafayette, Jackson Township, Killbuck, Baltic, Conesville, Newcomerstown, Bakersville and Holmes District 1. Also on scene were Coshocton County Emergency Medical Services, Coshocton County Sheriff's Office, Salvation Army and REACT.

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Thursday fire destroys youth wing of Keene United Methodist Church