Fire destroys Newport News church

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Firefighters battled flames at Warwick Baptist Church on Curtis Tignor Road in the Denbigh section of Newport News Thursday. Workers at a nearby Texaco gas station called 911 around 5:30 a.m. after seeing smoke in the area.

"Anybody who walks through the door always felt loved and welcomed," said Pastor Robert Wilson, Warwick Baptist Church.

A church that once stood tall, now sits in ashes and smoke.

"I could see the damage and all and (I was) heartbroken," says Lubie Parritt.

For 44 of Warwick Baptist Church's 46 years, Parritt attended service. On Thursday, he said goodbye to the building where he worshiped.

"Bewildered, confused, hurt..." says Parritt.

"At first it was a struggle to try and pray and seek God and what God is doing in this," says Wilson.

Wilson watched as more than 35 Newport News firefighters risked their lives to save the church, and when it became clear the building couldn't be saved, Wilson was calm.

"This is a church. It's a building. The true crux of it all is the membership."

Two congregations called Warwick Baptist Church home. Reservoir Community Church also worshiped inside and its pastor, Chris Gill, rushed to the fire scene.

"It breaks my heart. It really does," says Gill.

However, what breaks his heart can't come close to breaking his faith.

"God can do wonderful things out of it, so I'm at peace with it," Gill added.

Peace on Thursday was found in simple things. The pulpit was recovered, singed but standing.

"I hope to use it on Sunday regardless of how it looks," says one Parishoner.

Peace was also found in Shelley Webster, a neighbor wanting to make the first donation to rebuild.

"You know because it's all for God. It's all for God," says Webster.

Standing next to their church, flattened by fire, women of the congregation practiced the teachings of their faith and prayed for Shelley rather than themselves.

"We just thank you for the many blessings you've provided for us today. and we just thank you so much that she's here this morning Lord Jesus...In Christ's name we pray, Amen."

We're told services will still be held at the church this Sunday at 11 a.m. Services will either be held in an adjacent garage or on the Church's lawn -- it all depends on the weather.

Fire Chief Ken Jones says it's still to early to tell what started the fire and it could be some time before they know.  Our crews at the scene watched as investigators focused on the breezeway area of the church.  That's where parishoners say the electrical wiring is housed.

Officials say donations can be made to all Old Point National Banks in Hampton Roads.  Make your donations out to "Warwick Baptist Church."