Lives lost, church building destroyed in Tennessee wildfires (Updated)

Update: The Knoxville News Sentinel in Tennessee has posted a photo of the remains of the Gatlinburg Church of Christ building.

In a message to The Christian Chronicle, minister Rod Rutherford writes:

“God willing, we shall find a temporary place to meet in Gatlinburg just as soon as folks are allowed back in. Then we shall begin the task of rebuilding. The Lord’s church must continue to meet in Gatlinburg to serve the local area plus the many thousands of tourists from all over the USA and other nations who come every year to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.”

Wildfires in East Tennessee have killed at least three people and destroyed houses of worship, including the Gatlinburg Church of Christ.

The Christian Chronicle  received multiple reports that the fires have damaged all of the structures on Reagan Drive in Gatlinburg. The 125-member church meets in a building at the intersection of Reagan and Trinity Lane.

The home page of the Gatlinburg Church of Christ

At least three church members have lost their homes in the fires, according to an email from Rod Rutherford, the church’s minister.

The congregation plans to worship with the nearby Sevierville Church of Christ on Sunday and then meet to discuss its future. The church’s building is insured, Rutherford wrote, and church members plan to help members of their community.

The popular resort town, near Pigeon Forge and other attractions in the Great Smoky Mountains, hosts annual events for church members, including Winterfest and the Challenge Youth Conference.

To assist in fire relief, contact:

Gatlinburg Church of Christ 
P.O. Box 361
Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Mark donations for “Fire Relief.”

We will post updates as they become available.