ST. CLAIR, Mo. – An overnight fire, sparked when a sheet of ice fell onto an HVAC unit, caused widespread damage to a church in St. Clair, Missouri.
The fire caused extensive damage at Baptist Church of St. Clair, according to two sources close to the congregation.
The fire most notably damaged the roof and conference room, leaving a sizable hole in one area. Additionally, the building’s heating system is no longer functional.
According to James Plymale, director of missions at Franklin Baptist Association, investigators attributed the fire to a large sheet of ice sliding off the roof. The ice damaged HVAC units, resulting in a gas line break and electrical sparks that ignited the fire.
Church members gathered in prayer on Saturday and have taken steps in hopes to restore the church.