CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News - Plans to rebuild already in place after historic Canton church burns down

Plans to rebuild already in place after historic Canton church burns down

by Hayley Wielgus - bio | email

CANTON (KYTX) - A Canton church that's been around for more than a century is destroyed in a New Year's Day fire. CBS 19's Hayley Wielgus explains what this historic church means to the community of Canton and how members plan to rebuild.

"The emotions are all mixed up when you see something like that."

It was an unexpected New Year's morning for Bill Parr. He barely had time to read the paper before he saw the church where he has been pastor for nine years catch on fire.

"Smoke coming out as I watched it, suddenly flames burst through."

Parr lives next door to Little Hope Baptist Church in Canton. This building was constructed by church members in 1958, but the congregation first organized on this piece of land in 1893.

"It's the church house, it's not the church. The church is all over the community, all around the county, and we're absolutely fine."

Word of the fire spread as fast as the flames and dozens of the 300 member congregation rushed to the scene.

"I heard sirens...and I said something is happening in the community. This is just the way everybody does, if there's a fire, everybody shows up at the fire in case there's a need."

Most of the church is a total loss.

Casey Lester says Little Hope has become an integral part of the community, opening the doors of its food pantry and clothes closet to needy Van Zandt county residents.

"I believe this is just an incentive to really get busy about his work and draw us closer together."

By Sunday night, the church had already formed a rebuilding committee.

"It's not tragic, it's an opportunity to do something, be something, grow something."

Parr has more than just a little hope - he has grand plans to rebuild his church and start next year even stronger.