Religion

Blaze Destroys West Dallas Church Sunday

DALLAS (CBS 11 News) ― An early morning fire destroyed a small West Dallas church Sunday, leaving its parishioners stunned. The blaze gutted Life Changing Ministries, located at the intersection of Bernal and Angeline Drive.

"It's shocking to know something like this has happened here in West Dallas," said church member Regina Sloan.

Dallas sent in heavy equipment to knock down what remained of the charred, unstable building.

"Someone could actually access the structure and something could fall in," said Ray Green of the Dallas Street Department. "Someone could be walking by, and there could be a high wind. A wall could collapse, and it could cause harm to a citizen."

Police believe an electrical short sparked the blaze. Life Changing Ministries' small congregation of about fifty had met here just an hour and a half before the fire started.

They came back to the church after word spread to church members. They consoled each other in the flickering light of the fire, trying to make sense of their loss.

"God is an awesome God," said church member Deborah Mabry. "I know He'll show our faith and He shall keep us. And I know He's going to make every crooked pathway straight."

In the light of day, many residents could see how close the fire came to spreading to neighboring homes.

"I'm scared for my house," said Guadalupe Rocha, a neighbor of the church. "I watched it overnight. It's sad for the people."

The church's pastor hopes to erect a tent on the sight for next week's services.

"We're keeping the faith and we're staying strong," said Sloan. "That's all we can do."

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