KSLA News 12 Shreveport, Louisiana News Weather & SportsFire destroys Woodlawn B. C. fellowship hall

Firefighters responded to a massive fire at Woodlawn Baptist Church Wednesday night. The church, which has a history dating back 160 years, is located just north of Marshall on US Highway 59. 

One church building was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived.  The fellowship hall and Sunday school classes were inside the building that was destroyed by flames.  The building was used as the sanctuary before the church built a new metal structure within the past five years. The new church sanctuary does not appear to have been damaged.

Several area agencies responded to the fire including Woodlawn Volunteer Fire Dept., Nesbitt Volunteer Fire Dept., Marshall Volunteer Fire Dept., Scottsville Volunteer Fire Dept. and Elysian Fields Volunteer Fire Dept. No injuries have been reported. 

KSLA News 12 talked to Woodlawn Baptist Church's former pastor, Will Sherman.  He also used to work as a volunteer firefighter in the area.  He says when he heard about the fire, he quickly rushed to the scene.  The fire chief reportedly told him to suit up.  He says he didn't hesitate.

Church members say there was a fellowship supper Wednesday night in the fellowship hall. They say there is a kitchen in that building and the stove was used to cook earlier in the evening.

Arson investigators were on the scene.  An official cause has not been determined.

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