Church under arson investigation in Whitfield County

WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) – An arson investigation is underway after a someone started a fire at Cove Baptist Fellowship Church on Wednesday night.

Investigators found what appears to be a Molotov cocktail at the church on Carbondale Road.

“I got a phone call from a friend that talked to someone that knew what was going on and said, ‘hey, your church is on fire.’ And we came up here… We got up here at 10:30.” said Pastor Bo Carnes.

Whitfield County Firefighters quickly arrived on scene and contained the fire.

Pastor Bo Carnes hopes the arsonist is caught, but he’s also praying for that person.  

“I am a preacher of grace and I share grace,” said Carnes. “Of course, I want them brought to justice. They need to be held accountable for what they have done. But it is sad, and it hurts.” 

Whitfield County Fire has requested assistance from the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

They are working to track down the arsonist. 

There is a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

In the meantime, Pastor Carnes says they will keep on having services. 

“I have some idea. We may have a service in the yard, or we will probably join a friend of ours’ church and combine services with them,” Carnes concluded.