Arson ruled in Athens church fire

ATHENS - The Prince Baptist Church in Athens was damaged by fire early Sunday and another building on the property was destroyed in what state fire officials called arson.<br> <br> &#34;The suspect was seen running from the church building at the time the fire was discovered,&#34; state Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner John Oxendine said. &#34;He was attempting to cover his face with his jacket.&#34;<br> <br> Oxendine said a few people were at the church when the fire was reported at 8:50 a.m. No one was injured, he said.<br> <br> The separate building that was destroyed was used for meetings and fellowship. The fire in the church itself broke out on the third floor of a building connected to the sanctuary and used for Sunday school classes.<br> <br> Oxendine said there was extensive smoke damage on the third floor but the rest of the building was in good condition.<br> <br> He described the suspect as white, about 20 years old, 6-2 and medium build with black hair. Oxendine said a reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.<br> <br> He said the church membership was mixed racially, but more than 50 percent white.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/2/183383