In the News Historic Church a Complete Loss to Fire
By Joyce Godwin Photos from First Response Photography
T
he call came in what most would say is the middle of the night. It was 2 a.m. when the pastor of the United Methodist Church of Anna, Brett Smith, got the call that his church was on fire. And just like that, Smith’s pastorship of three months became one of leading his flock through recovery after heart-breaking loss. The fire at 100 West Second Street was called in at 12:30 a.m. Dec. 11. A resident across the street from the property just happened to look our the bedroom window and saw the fire, Smith said. Built in 1934, the structure was more than 80 years old and was fully engulfed by fire in a short time. “The fire marshal called me and it took us about 30 minutes to get there,” Smith said. 6
“And by then, the educational building had caught fire and it was also gone. Parts of the education building are still standing along with Fellowship Hall which was built in the 1980s.” Smith said the investigation revealed no criminal intent, and it’s believed the problem was old wiring in a closet. “We are blessed nobody was hurt and that was a huge relief,” Smith said. Before the fire, Smith said, the congregation was worshipping in Fellowship Hall because they were at the very end of the renovations on the church roof. For now, the congregation will meet in Van Alstyne in part of the VA Independent School District properties, The plan is to have 9:30 a.m. Sunday School and 10:30 worship. “The congregation is broken hearted,” Smith said. “But they have been fantastic. We are grieving and working through that. What happened is a shocking event, and because we can’t Anna Living Magazine
go back into Fellowship Hall, they didn’t have that place to rest, so when we come together in Van Alstyne, it will be like coming to the shoreline together and we will be able to grieve in a healthy way together.” The community outpouring of love and grace, prayer, emails, texts and love offerings have been amazing,” Smith said. “Anna has shined for this church. And now we want to continue to be a light for Anna. God not only provides but abundantly provides. He faithfully provides without question.” There is yet another part of the story of the Anna UMC. This congregation, with a rich history of development, began around 1883 and it’s history is laid out in this magazine in the Anna history section. It’s had ups and downs, and as if he was meant for this moment, Pastor Smith came to lead the congregation after years of struggling with his personal calling he feels he received in 2001.
