Spartanburg Church Damaged By Fire

A fire at First Church of God on Saturday night left congregants without their house of worship today—and maybe longer.

Spartanburg Public Safety firefighters responded to 123 Westview Blvd. off John B. White Sr. Boulevard about 8:40 p.m. Saturday and were removing smoke from the building more than an hour later.

City Fire Marshal Mike Julazadeh said no one was inside the building, no one was hurt and the building was locked when firefighters arrived. The building will be closed until its power and gas can be restored.

Associate Pastor Mitchell Byers, who is serving as pastor, said the church averages 75 in attendance on Sundays. About 30 members had gone to North Carolina for an annual church trip Saturday. Members returned about 8 p.m., placed a few snacks, drinks and coolers in the kitchen and left.

A man who lives in the area saw smoke about 8:40 p.m. and reported the fire.