Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Church Opens New Sanctuary
ARSON FIRE LAST YEAR DESTROYED FACILITIES
PRAIRIE GROVE — Illinois Chapel Baptist Church lost its sanctuary in an arson fire in April 2012. A year later, church members moved into a new worship center built with donations of all sorts: money, materials and labor.
“There’s so many people I don’t want to leave anyone out,” said Lynville Eaton, pastor.
He mailed out 38 thankyou letters to people who sent money — large amounts and small amounts — and this does not count the groups who volunteered on site to actually rebuild the sanctuary.
The new sanctuary has 1,400 square feet and is 35- feet by 40- feet. It has updated technology, including a new sound system, new computer, projector and screen and new software.
“I think it’s beautiful,” Eaton said. “We’re very proud of it.”
A little bit of history remains. Most everything was destroyed in the arson fire, except an American flag and the Christian flag. Both flags have been placed on the platform at the front of the sanctuary.
Eaton is now preaching from a pulpit from his former church in Elkins. Harris Baptist Church purchased a new pulpit and asked Eaton if he was interested in the old pulpit.
“I preached from that pulpit for 19 1/2 years,” Eaton said.
Della McKee is a long-time member of the church and her husband, Coy, attended school in the church building.
“For me, it’s like we’ve changed churches,” McKee said. “But it is good.”
The new sanctuary opened Easter Sunday, March 31, and for the past month, different groups have performed at the church. Eaton said he brought in singing groups so people in the community could come and see the new church sanctuary.
The arson fire also damaged the church’s kitchen and fellowship hall. This building now has new windows, new siding and insulation.
“Everything out here is pretty much new and in great shape,” Eaton said.
Dennis Ledbetter, Washington County fire marshal, said the arson fire is still an active investigation but he does not have any suspects at this time. The sanctuary was destroyed by fire April 20. Satanic symbols and sayings were painted on the back of the church and on a propane tank.
“We are still talking to people,” Ledbetter said.
He declined to give further information because the investigation is ongoing.