Lamar-Monroe County GaArchives News.....METHODIST CHURCH DESTROYED BY FIRE TUESDAY MORNING August 17, 1939
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Elaine Turk Nell http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00017.html#0004116 November 5, 2005, 2:37 pm

Barnesville News-Gazette August 17, 1939
Historic Structure Razed; Loss Estimated at More than $50,000
Board of Stewarts Lay Plans for Rebuilding Annex At Once
     A loss of more than $50,000 was sustained here Tuesday morning when fire 
razed the First Methodist Church on Thomaston Street.  The blaze originated 
from an electric switch located in a small store room between the church 
proper and the Sunday School Annex.  The beautiful historic structure was 
completely destroyed; only the rear wall of the Annex was left standing.
     For more than two hours, part of the time in the downpour of rain, 
firemen, assisted by scores of citizens, fought valiantly to save the 
building.  Boy scouts and other youngsters aided in removing five pianos, hymn 
books, and chairs from the Annex.  Hundreds of residents witnessing the 
spectacular scene saw the avid flames consume the building with its priceless 
stained glass memorial windows.  The handsome pipe organ was also lost.
     The Methodist Church had stood on that site since the middle of the 
nineteenth century.  In the early seventies the old building was removed and a 
large framed building with a tall spire was erected.  About forty years ago 
the church was enlarged and veneered with concrete blocks.  The memorial 
windows were secured at that time and the pipe organ was installed.
     The building of the Sunday School Annex was begun in 1930 and completed 
several years later.  Recently the interior of the church had undergone 
renovation and a new carpet had been laid.
     the church carried insurance policies in the amount of $18,000 which sum 
will be paid immediately, according to statement today by the Rev. John Tate, 
pastor.
     The Board of Stewarts of the church met Wednesday night and laid plans 
for beginning work on the Annex and launching a campaign for building funds.  
Members of the church and other friends will meet Wednesday of next week to 
clear the debris from the church yard.  The Rev. Tate stated that the new 
building would probably be erected on the same foundation.  He also expressed 
hope of saving the building's heating system.

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