June 19, 2008

Lightning Blamed For Church Blaze

Friday the 13th proved very unlucky for a Scotland County landmark. According to the Gorin Fire Department, a lightning strike is believed to have sparked a blaze that destroyed the Harmony Grove Baptist Church in rural Scotland County.

The fire was reported at approximately 1:30 a.m. when a neighbor reported the blaze in its later stages. The structure was totally consumed by flames when emergency responders arrived at the scene.

The church, constructed in 1837, was a total loss. The facility was made famous as the home church of one of Scotland County’s most famous daughters, Ella Ewing.

Plans are already underway to rebuild the church, which serves the Gorin and Rutledge communities.