WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. — Officials in West Columbia say a fire at a local church is out after being called in on Friday afternoon.
West Columbia Fire's Deputy Chief Marquis Solomon said the call came in around 1:15 p.m. at Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church on B Avenue. Arriving crews found smoke coming from an assembly room.
A crew of about 15 firefighters from both West Columbia and Lexington County Fire Services was able to bring the fire under control in about 10 minutes.
The building sustained moderate fire and smoke damage but no injuries were reported. The sanctuary was not damaged in the fire, officials said.
The Rev. Wade Roof took to social media around 2:20 p.m. to provide an update to the congregation regarding the fire. He added that everyone who was in the building at the time of the incident got out safely.
"While this building holds lots and lots of memories, we are assured that Christ is here with us, that Christ is here with the church, the people of God in this place," he said.
Because the sanctuary wasn't damaged, Roof said the church will still have one Sunday service there at 10:30 a.m. However, the Faith Milestone on Saturday and picnic and retreat also scheduled for the weekend have been postponed.
On the recommendation of fire and insurance officials, the church has sealed off the assembly room until further notice. The congregation and community members are also being urged to not come into the church building until Sunday - and only enter the sanctuary on Sunday morning.
The cause is still under investigation.
