DIGGINS—Fire destroyed the main building of Diggins Baptist Church on Feb. 13. It may have also sparked a revival.
“It’s just God at work all the way through,” said Pastor Gary Dedmon. “The Lord moves in mysterious ways. I think He’s getting ready to do a mighty work.”
The fire broke out in the attic of Diggins Baptist near the furnace early on the morning of Sunday, Feb. 13. It was determined to be caused by a gas leak near the furnace. The 14-year-old building was declared a total loss.
“There was a lot of emotion, but also a lot of excitement knowing God was fixing to move. Whatever comes our way, we can give God the glory,” Dedmon said.
The evening after the fire, nearly 200 people gathered on the church grounds for a prayer service. The church was able to rent a vacant church building just a block from their existing structure. Worshippers packed into the rented building on Sunday, Feb. 20 and three people came forward to make decisions at the service.
Diggins Baptist, located about 25 miles east of Springfield in Webster County Association, was about to outgrow its building and had been looking at several options, such as adding on or offering two worship services. Sunday School attendance averages about 150 each week.
The fire, Dedmon said, made church members realize that the building was only temporary and made them draw closer together and stronger in their faith. They’ve also been able to use the tragedy to witness in their community. The pastor and deacons have been quoted in media reports giving God praise for His protection and provision.
“The world is watching our every move regardless,” Dedmon said. “During a storm or a fire, they are really watching to see if we are going to hang onto the Lord and prove to be real. I think we’re standing strong.”
Besides the damage to the main building and sanctuary, the education building received extensive smoke damage. The insurance provider is examining the structure to determine if that building will be a loss or if it can be restored. Until then, it is not certain what the next step will be.
Dedmon noted that most other churches wouldn’t be able to relocate to an empty building just a block away. Other congregations donated supplies, including a sound system and keyboard.
“We’re seeing the Lord at work and seeing Him meet all our needs,” Dedmon said. “Nobody has complained, we’re just tickled we’ve got a place to worship.”
The loss was especially painful for church members who constructed the buildings themselves. Members did all the work, finishing the education building just three years ago.
“It was hard on everybody to see it,” Dedmon said. “But on the flip side, knowing what God is going to do is exciting. He’s brought us this far and we know He’s going to bring us through.”
SUSAN MIRES / contributing writer