WALDO, Ark. (AP) -- The Cottonbelt Church of God in Christ would have celebrated its 28th anniversary this Sunday, but an early morning fire destroyed the building Tuesday.
No serious injuries were reported and the cause of the blaze was not known.
Pastor James Turner said the power line to the church had burned in two. A thunderstorm passed through the area Monday night, but it wasn't known whether lightning struck the power line or the church.
Turner said church members would wait for authorities to complete their investigation before deciding whether to rebuild. He said other churches in the area offered them the use of their churches.
Cottonbelt church, located on Columbia County Road 160 near Waldo, has around 85 active members with an average attendance of about 125.
After firefighters put out the blaze, among the ruins was a church sign that read: ''Stop, drop and roll won't work in hell.''
