Despite a destroyed sanctuary, members of Centenary Baptist Church in Marion County continued with worship services Sunday morning.
Centenary Volunteer Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson says during the severe weather storm that swept through our area Saturday evening, lighting struck the fuse box at the back of the church.
A neighbor heard it happen and called 911 around 8:30 p.m.
When fire crews arrived, Gibson says the church was covered with flames and there was no saving it.
No one was injured.
Even within hours of their loss Gibson says, "the overall general consensus is we will rebuild on this same site we will continue to have church in our fellowship hall."
Gibson goes on to say the church was built in 1913 and is one of the oldest in South Carolina.
The church has about 50 members including Gibson.