CHICKAMAUGA, WALKER COUNTY (WRCB) - In a makeshift sanctuary, singing from donated hymnals, the people of Garretts Chapel Baptist Church are still making a joyful noise.
"It's not too convenient, but it's all we had to do," says Raymond Campbell, when asked about the space being used for Wednesday night service.
The 50-member congregation has been meeting in a small fellowship hall since July, when arson investigators say someone burned their church to the ground.
"There were a lot of tears shed when I saw it burn down," says 87-year-old Campbell, who has been in the church since he was a teenager.
But now, songs of joy.
A freshly framed building sits where the rubble once did. The congregation hopes to reopen in time for the church's homecoming in May.
The new building will be paid for with insurance money and have a sprinkler system in the event of another fire, but otherwise it will look just like the old one.
"We ain't going to get that fancy, we are just old timey, God fearing people up here," says Campbell, when asked about the new building. "That's what it's all about, we're just a little old bitty church, but we love people."
Campbell, one of the church's oldest members, says he may never know who started the fire, but prayers for that person go up every day.
"I pray the good Lord will get a hold of him and make him come up here and repent," he says.
ARSON INVESTIGATION:
Arson investigators are still looking for leads in the case.
Last September, the GBI released a sketch of a man who may know something about the fire.
Leads have come in, but no arrests have been made.
A $10,000 reward is being offered in case.
If you have information, call Walker County Emergency Services at 706-539-1255.
READ MORE:
Sketch of suspected arsonist
Garretts Chapel Baptist following the fire
Garretts Chapel Baptist today
