The fire happened at the Main Street Church of Christ Thursday morning.
Carthage fire chief Ed Stallings was inside battling the fire with two other firefighters when flames caused the roof to cave in... falling on top of the men.
Nicky Stallings, who is the fire chiefs son, and Benton Dyer were treated at a local hospital and released, but Ed Stallings was taken to Vanderbilt in critical condition.
Dyer said at first, he didn't know what hit him.
"Freakiest thing. You don't ever think it would happen to you," said Dyer, "I fought fires for 28 years, and never been as they say badly hurt."
The exact cause of the fire is still being investigated, but arson has been ruled out.
The church was being renovated for a wedding this coming June.
Church members say they plan on rebuilding.
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