NEWS: Jeffersontown Baptist Church fire, Jefferson Co., KY

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Submitted by: Pat45324@aol.com
Date: 26 Mar 2001
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Fire destroyed the Jeffersontown Baptist Church early Sunday morning, resulting in a loss 
estimated at $25,000, $10,000 of which was covered by insurance.

The blaze, discovered at 4 a.m., had gained such headway that volunteer company in 
Jeffersontown and a unit of the Louisville Fire Department could only prevent the 
destruction of adjacent buildings, although the building had brick walls.

                               FIRE KEPT AT NIGHT
The Rev. L.T. Wright, pastor, explained that it was the practice to keep  fire in the 
furnace Saturday night so the building would be properly heated for the Sunday services.  He 
recalled throwing a block of coal on the fire at 9:45 p.m. Saturday because the fire had 
burned low.  It was surmised that the blaze resulted from the overheated furnace.

James Edwards, who lives opposite the church, spread the alarm by firing a shotgun into the 
air.  It was then too late to save any of the equipment and furnishings.  The loss included 
two pianos, two pipe organs, a communion set, church library, records and the usual church 
furnishings.

                                INSURANCE CARRIED
Mr. Wright explained that the insurance was carired to cover the remaining indebtedness of 
the church built in 1926.  He estimated the remaining indebtedness at $7,000.  He said the 
congregation probably will rebuild on the same site.  Meanwhile, arrangements were made to 
hold services in one of the other churches in the town.  Sunday services were held at 
Meyer's Funeral Home.