In the early morning hours of Sunday, December 12, 2021 Bro. Jacob McKenzie received a phone call saying the church he pastors, Legacy Church, was on fire.
The Magee Fire Department was on scene by the time McKenzie arrived. Legacy is only minutes from the pastor’s home.
When he arrived, both the sanctuary and fellowship hall were engulfed in flames. According to comments from McKenzie on the Legacy Church Facebook page, “We don’t know what happened. A fire marshal will be checking things out to determine. No portion was saved. We are extremely grateful to Magee and Mendenhall Fire Departments for their help and service this cold morning.”
There were no injuries or casualties.
Legacy Church was located in the former Eastside Baptist Church in Eastside Community of Magee. Long time church member Larry Cockrell was also on site, posting photos of the destruction, saying it was a total loss. The only thing left standing is the signage.
Throughout Sunday and into Monday the fire continued to smolder and burn, the building falling in upon itself. Cinder blocks, brick, twisted metal, and charred roof shingles littered the grounds. It may take several days for the fire to burn completely out.
McKenzie made it clear that even without a facility, Sunday morning worship would move forward. “God's people thrive in difficult circumstances because God's power is made perfect in our weakness. We will continue to meet and worship. Today it will be in our home at 1105 3rd St. SE at 10:30. We will meet to sing, worship, and find comfort in God's Word as His people have done through far greater trials for 2000 years. Join us and pray for us if you can't make it. We will try to stream, but the audio quality will likely be lacking this first week.”
During the impromptu Sunday service, McKenzie pointed out that there is a lot of history in the church. Several former members have moved on but a small number still attend regularly. Regardless, it is a loss. As he stated, “It hurts. I know it’s an emotional day for a lot of people. We know that God is still on the throne; He’s not surprised. He knew long before we got to reopen, before the church even closed, that today, early this morning the church would burn.”
Several churches have reached out to Pastor McKenzie with a variety of offerings including meeting space, emotional and financial support. He is currently waiting on a visit with the insurance adjustor and a complete report from the Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s office. The investigation is ongoing.
At this point McKenzie says the church will make a plan for moving forward, determining where to meet, knowing flexibility and patience are keys to that effort. With that plan, however, is determination to rebuild and once again provide a church to the Eastside community to continue to spread the Gospel of Christ.
