Clinton County church struck by lightning

By Matt Oates
Hoosier UM News Correspondent

RURAL FRANKFORT, Ind. - An early morning thunderstorm that swept through north central Indiana on Aug. 2 is the culprit behind the fire last month at Hopewell UMC in the Lafayette District.

The church, which will celebrate its 160th anniversary this month, is located about five miles southeast of Geetingsville in Clinton County.

Lightning struck the church bell tower sometime after 6 a.m.; a passerby saw the church on fire and stopped at a nearby farmhouse to place the call. Around 6:36 a.m. volunteer firefighters from surrounding communities and members arrived on scene.

According to Glenn Crum, the chairman of the trustees who was covered head to toe in soot and ash and sweat when I arrived, the fire started in the steeple, knocked the bell loose and did severe damage to the tower, the sanctuary and parts of the roof. If it weren't for a supporting wall in the attic which stopped the fire in the sanctuary, it could have been worse, said Crum. "We probably would have lost it."

When asked what the church will do, Crum replied, "What our intention is, I don't know." But he doesn't see the church closing: "This is a staple in our community."

Crum and other church and community members hauled everything out of the church after the fire was out. The pews and organ and other sanctuary items were standing in one to two inches of water before being placed in the church parking lot, awaiting a company that specializes in restoring damaged furniture and items.

The fire was confined to the sanctuary area; the rest of the building suffered smoke and water damage.

The church did not know where they would be meeting for Sunday worship as I left; however, offers have come in from Michigantown UMC and the Beard Masonic Lodge.

Larry McQuern, the chairman of the church board, had been on site since the fire started. "Overall, we're very fortunate," said McQuern. "The firefighters said the storm started the fire and the storm helped put the fire out."

One of the highlights of the fire has been the outpouring of community support. Members from nearby Russiaville UMC - who suffered a Christmas Day fire a few years ago - came by to offer their prayers and support, as well as neighbors, longtime members and friends from other area churches. They provided food and refreshments for the workers, as well as equipment to help remove items and trash from the scene.

Max Crum, a lifetime member, recalled coming up the road to see the church steeple on fire. His first thought: "Can we save it?"

According to other press reports, damage is estimated between $75,000 and $100,000.

Hopewell UMC web site: www.gbgm-umc.org/hopewell-frankfort/

Last updated on 01/14/2004

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