Fabrizio Gowdy
Gadsden County News Service
Early Sunday morning, a fire caused major damage to Pilgrim’s Rest Missionary Baptist Church on Gibson Road south of Havana.
A sign posted on a tree outside the church states that officials suspect the fire was the result of arson. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating, but the cause has not yet been determined.
According to Havana Fire Chief Don Harrison, the pre-dawn blaze appears to have started in the rear of the church in a kitchen area. Harrison told the Havana Herald he believes the building is a total loss.
“I just don’t see how they could salvage anything out of it,” Harrison said.
Harrison said the State Fire Marshal has not yet informed him of an official cause. The Fire Marshal’s Office had not responded to requests for comment as of press time.
Adrian Andrews, who recently moved to Panama City but grew up in the church, said the loss has been deeply emotional.
“It definitely takes a toll on you being told your home church, a sacred place that your parents took you to since you were an infant, is burned down, especially when it’s a possibility that it could have been done with malicious intent,” said Andrews, who served as the church’s drummer for 10 years and attended services there for more than 20 years.
Andrews said he hopes the tragedy will bring the congregation and surrounding churches closer together.
“Hopefully, we get the help to rebuild, because it’s been a spiritual haven for Christians in Gadsden County and even in Georgia,” he said.
Motrail Harris, a former member who remains active in the ministry, said Pastor Simon Simmons Jr. and other church leaders are unable to comment because of the ongoing investigation. Harris confirmed the church was founded in 1930 off Highway 27 and moved to its current location in 1959.
The Havana Volunteer Fire Department was assisted by the Concord Volunteer Fire Department, Quincy Fire Department and Midway Fire District.
“They were a very big help,” Harrison said.
Rewards of up to $5,000 are being offered through the Florida Advisory Committee on Arson Prevention for information leading to the identification of those responsible. Tips can be submitted at facap.org or by calling 1-877-662-7766.
