Smoke stains the sanctuary of North Knoxville Baptist Church, and the foyer is heavily damaged, but the Tennessee congregation says it is not going anywhere.
The Knoxville Fire Department said the fire, reported early Wednesday (Oct. 14), was intentionally set. Jeremy Lee Hensley, 43, is charged with felony arson and burglary, according to the department, but more charges are possible. The department said Hensley has no known affiliation with the church.
Firefighters responded to reports of smoke and flames coming from the church’s front building. Crews attacked the fire from the inside and had it under control in about 30 minutes, according to local news reports. No injuries were reported.
The foyer took the worst of the fire, while the rest of the building sustained smoke damage. The gymnasium was untouched, and pastor Jim McNeal said members still plan to gather there Sunday morning.
“The situation is developing, but be praying for Pastor Jim McNeal,” said Phillip Smith, a regional leader for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. “The gym was not touched by the fire, so they are trying to share the space. It is almost a total loss. Be praying for all involved.”
The church averages 70 to 80 people on a given weekend, McNeal said, but the facility is far larger than that. It has 42 Sunday School rooms, seven church offices, a gymnasium and a sanctuary that seats 576. In October 2023, McNeal proposed that the congregation open the building to other groups. Two churches, Christ Community Church and Ironworks Church, now meet there.
Not the first time
This is not the first time arson has struck the church. A fire in the early 1980s caused extensive damage, and the congregation rebuilt and renovated to create the church that stands today.
“This church was actually burned to the ground before due to arson just after they built the gym,” said Alan Price, director of missions for the Knox County Association of Baptists. “Pray that this might be used in that community for the advancement of the gospel. Jim is very kingdom-minded and loves the community around the church.”
McNeal shared a message with supporters after the fire, saying that even in tragedy, “we can take great comfort knowing we serve an almighty, powerful, loving, compassionate, and gracious God.” McNeal also asked for prayer for the man accused in the fire. “He needs to experience the love of Christ!” McNeal wrote in a Facebook post.
He thanked the Knox County Association of Baptists, the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, and the many pastors across the state who have offered help.
“It truly is a beautiful picture of the body of Christ working together for His Kingdom,” he said.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by and originally published by the Tennessee Baptist and Reflector.
