Oakland Park Church Damaged By Fire
OAKLAND PARK (CBS4) - In the little church of Praise Sanctuary there is a big hole in the roof.
The damage to the building on NW 27th street in Oakland Park is the result of a sad chain of events that happened early Wednesday morning. Just after 7 a.m. the church founder Louis Lawton arrived to check on the church. At that time he saw that someone had broken through the front door and stole $4000 worth of musical equipment. Because it was cold he turned on the heat which sparked a fire in the heating system.
"My reaction was to put it out so I took three fire extinguishers and put it out but I couldn't get up to the attic," Lawton tells CBS 4 News Reporter Joan Murray.
Oakland Park Fire crews were on scene within minutes and put out the flames. But they had to cut a hole through the roof. There is smoke and water damage. The city has declared the building structurally unstable.
"It's structurally unstable so we can't have Sunday or bible services until its repaired," says pastor Victor Lawton. Pastor Lawton says the church won't be able to provide its monthly food distribution to 130 needy families in the community.
"It's not the building, it's the people," I'm worried about says church founder Louis Lawton. Lawton says he's been in this location for the past 17 years but he founded the church more than 30 years ago.
The people who support this church week after week are already coming together to help the Lawtons.
"We live day to day with God's blessing. So this will be finished," says longtime friend Henry Moore.
If you would like to make a donation to replace the stolen musical equipment or help the church find temporary quarters call (954) 731-7441.
