Heavy rain sent the smell of smoke and ash up in the air at Cherry Creek Church of Christ in west Columbus early Monday morning.
Firefighters received a call Monday around 3:50 a.m. when flames began to engulf the roof. Barnhart said the building may have been smoldering for hours before first responders were called. A suspected lighting strike set the roof ablaze, according to Columbus fire officials.
Cherry Creek Church of Christ Pastor Bob Peterson said parts of the congregation’s bible study rooms, meeting hall and kitchen were damaged in the fire.
“Romans 5 said through any disasters we must persevere and have faith that the church will get repaired,” Peterson said.
Marsha Peterson, Bob’s wife and the church’s keyboardist, said the front sanctuary was spared from the fire. She said all of the congregation’s sheet music avoided damage, so out-of-print music was saved. But the couple doesn't know what the future holds for the rest of the church.
“The point is, he still loves us, even though that happened. He loves us and he's going to take care of us,” Marsha Peterson said.
