Church, Day Care Gutted In Fire

INDIANAPOLIS -- A church and day care center on Indianapolis' east side was gutted by fire overnight.

The blaze began just before midnight Sunday at Bell's Chapel Church of God at 42nd Street and Mitthoeffer Road, 6News' Julie Pursley reported.

Investigators said they were not immediately sure where the fire started or what caused it. Members of the congregation said they will turn to their faith for strength and recovery.

Neighbors said they heard what sounded like an explosion and saw the church on fire.

When firefighters arrived, flames were shooting from three sides of the building.

"They found heavy fire coming out of the Mitthoeffer side of the church, which is the main entrance to the church," said Indianapolis fire Capt. John Borel. "We had fire in the sanctuary area, this main entryway, but it extended all the way through the church."

Many of those who worshipped at the 175-member church came to the scene. Bishop Adrienne Holmes said Bell's Chapel had grown from six members eight years ago and that the fire is just a setback.

"This is a building," Holmes said. "We can build it again. The church isn't us."

Church members put together a plan to care for the 150 children that use it as a day care center. Arrangements were made for the children and staff to go to a nearby church.

"My kids have been going to this day care for about two years. It means a lot to us," said Crystal Washington. "It's kind of sad we don't have this building anymore, but God is good. We're all going to pray, and we should have another church very soon."

The fire department estimated damage to the building at $2 million. Investigators said it was a total loss.