Fire Rips Through Church Outreach Building In Ensley: Pastor Says They Are Preparing To Rebuild

May 11, 2021

Fire destroyed a church building in Ensley Tuesday afternoon.

The fire was in the 9000 block of Chandler Street, behind Crown Church. Flames were seen coming through the roof of the building before firefighters arrived on scene. There was no one inside at the time, and there were no reports of injuries.

The building was the Crown Church Community Outreach Center, according to Pastor Jason Oxendine. The building was used to provide clothing, food and other community needs.

“We are now in prayer and will start preparing to rebuild the outreach center so that we will be able to continue to respond to needs of our community,” Oxendine said.

Reports indicated that lightning may have sparked the fire, but the the exact cause is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.

NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.

Comments

5 Responses to “Fire Rips Through Church Outreach Building In Ensley: Pastor Says They Are Preparing To Rebuild”

  1. Jason Oxendine on May 11th, 2021 8:36 pm

    This is The Crown Church Community Outreach Center. It caught fire after a lightening strike this afternoon. We are now in prayer and will start preparing to rebuild the outreach center so that we will be able to continue to respond to needs of our community. Blessings Pastor Jason Oxendine, Crown Church Executive Pastor.

  2. C. Pack on May 11th, 2021 8:32 pm

    Very sad indeed. The church has been helping many people with food every week for a long time out of that building. But God will provide even better than before. Glad that no one was working in there when it happened.

  3. Denbroc on May 11th, 2021 7:20 pm

    This building was being used for a food pantry. Many, many people came here to help make ends meet. I am sure they will need and appreciate the community’s help in getting going again.

  4. Brandy Franklin on May 11th, 2021 6:28 pm

    Just to update – this is the Community Center of Crown Church where we
    Have been providing clothes and food outreach.
    We are thankful to the firefighters who worked hard to put out the fire.
    Please say a prayer we can get it back up and running bigger and better
    Very soon!

  5. Beverly Driver Cawby on May 11th, 2021 5:52 pm

    This makes me sad! Lots of good memories from when this was Northeast Christian School. Worked here for a few years and had a daughter and son graduate from there.
    Prayers to Crown Church.