BREAKING: Two churches in Casar, North Carolina, were deliberately set ablaze last night, stirring outrage and fear in the small community. The fires occurred between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on October 13, 2023, targeting Tabernacle Baptist Church and Calvary’s Cross Baptist Church, both located just eight miles apart. The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the fires were acts of arson, and an investigation is currently underway.
Residents quickly sprang into action, spotting the flames and extinguishing them before any significant damage could occur. According to reports, a local resident, a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, was passing by when he noticed the fire and alerted others. “If it wasn’t for them, it might not be here yet,” said Pastor Homer Tessner of Tabernacle Baptist.
The damage was minimal, with only minor siding damage reported at Calvary’s Cross Baptist Church. Pastor Billy Boone expressed disbelief, stating, “We’ve never had anything like this to happen before, and the church has been in existence for 50 years.” This shocking incident has left the community in disbelief, as they come to terms with the attack on places of worship.
According to the Sheriff’s office, the quick response from citizens was crucial in saving both churches. “True Americans,” commented a local resident on social media, calling for justice to find the individuals responsible for these heinous acts.
Authorities have not made any arrests yet, but investigations are ongoing. Community members are urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities. This incident highlights the fragility of safety in small towns and raises concerns over the targeting of faith-based institutions.
As this story develops, more information will emerge regarding the motives behind these attacks. The Cleveland County community is rallying together, showing resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue to follow this urgent situation.
