First Pentecostal Church Of Buford Destroyed By Fire Thanksgiving Night
First Pentecostal Church Of Buford Destroyed By Fire Thanksgiving Night
Late on Thanksgiving night, November 28, 2024, a fire ravaged the First Pentecostal Church of Buford, a historic landmark that has stood in the heart of downtown Buford, Georgia, since the 1930s. The fire, which started in the church's attic, quickly escalated, leading to a dramatic scene as firefighters worked through the night to control the blaze, ultimately leaving the cherished community structure in ruins.
A devastating fire engulfed the First Pentecostal Church of Buford late on Thanksgiving night, November 28, 2024, leaving the historic building in ruins. The church, located on East Moreno Street, has been a central part of the Buford community since the 1930s.
Firefighters from Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services were called to the scene around 10 p.m. after initial reports of smoke emanating from a vent at the top of the church's sanctuary. Upon arrival, crews found smoke and soon after, flames consuming the attic where the fire had originated.
The situation escalated quickly, with the fire spreading to cover the roof with intense flames. By midnight, nearly 40 firefighters were on the scene, battling not only to extinguish the blaze but also to ensure their own safety as parts of the church began to collapse. The fire was brought under control around 2:30 a.m., but not before it had gutted much of the structure.
Miraculously, no one was harmed in the incident. Two young church members initially spotted the smoke, attempted to use fire extinguishers, but the fire was beyond their control, leading them to call 911. This quick action ensured that everyone was able to evacuate safely.
Pastor Jordan Copeland, whose family has been involved with the church since 1993, expressed the profound loss felt by the community. "This is a pretty tough blow," he said, lamenting the destruction of personal mementos like his late father's preaching notes and Bibles. He also shared the emotional moment of watching the church's steeple collapse.
Despite the devastation, Pastor Copeland found solace in faith, drawing a parallel to a biblical story about giving thanks in the midst of a storm. "We gathered and we prayed and we gave thanks because God really does know better than we know," he reflected.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, though initial assessments suggest an electrical issue might be to blame, with no signs of criminal activity involved. The loss of this historic church has left a void in the Buford community, but the spirit of the congregation remains strong, as they look forward to rebuilding and continuing their faith journey.
