News
Hocking Co. Church Fire Ruled Arson
By: Associated Press, Fred Kight
Posted on:
Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal investigators have determined Friday's church fire in Hocking County is the result of arson.
The fire was on State Route 664 in South Bloomingville.
A reward of up to $5,000 has been posted for information leading to information about the person or persons responsible for the fire.
Anyone with information should call 1-800-589-2728.
The case is being investigated by the Division of State Fire Marshal, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Hocking County Sheriff's Office and the Laurelville Fire Department.
The pastor of the church says he thinks the fire is related to the congregation's support for gays and lesbians.
The Rev. Scott Davis of South Bloomingville Christian Church says they've received threats in the past. He says he thinks the church was a target of hate crime because it welcomes gay, lesbian and transgender worshippers.
Davis bought the church near Hocking Hills State Park two years ago and opened it for services in 2011.
He's vowing to rebuild.