Crane Church is No More but Members Pray On
By: Jackie Smith
Updated: December 29, 2010
CRANE --The Pastor of Faith in Christ Church told me that even though the flames are out, they are going to continue to pray. This wasn't only a church it was a food bank and clothing storage, that helped the needy in the crane community, since the fifties. And many people in Crane are going to miss this self-proclaimed landmark.
These kids have lived next door to this iconic Crane church since they were born.
"It was a good church for everybody," said Omar Velasco.
And Tuesday evening they saw it burn down, capturing the whole event on their cell phones.
"it was real crazy because that guy shouldn't have even done that, it meant something for everybody," said Velasco.
It especially meant something to Pastor Ellis Lane. Who now has to talk to firefighters about what he can do to save what's left of his now smoldering church.
"We are just going to wait and pray and see what the lord wants us to do," said Pastor Ellis Lane, of Faith in Christ Church.
Police have arrested Steven Cantrell and charged him with arson after they say he confessed.
"Made a statement that he burnt the church down," said JD Smith, Chief of Police.
Crews have battled, five other fires in the area. But police still don't know if Cantrell ignited those fires.
"We're investigating those right now to see if their is any connection," said Chief Smith.
But, this young boy thinks he knows why Cantrell acted this way.
"Someone said his religion told him to tell him to burn some churches," said Velasco.
Firefighters hammered out the plaque that once hung proudly on this church's walls. Giving it to Ellis which he hopes will help remind his people what their mission is.
"I hold no animosity, teaching the church to pray for people not as fortunate as we are," said Pastor Lane.
Cantrell has been charged with arson as Fire Marshals are still investigating what started the flames. Pastor Lane says he plans to rebuild the church and restore it to it's former glory.
Jackie Smith can be reached at jsmith@kmid.tv.
