‘Miracle’ as chalices and Bibles survive Towerby church blaze

According to IOL, the New Apostolic Church Towerby building in Johannesburg South District was completely destroyed by a fire on Tuesday, August 25, though holy communion items and Bibles survived.

What happened

The building was burned down and condemned, and the church said it cannot be used in its current state. The blaze left nothing else salvageable, the report said.

Items left untouched

The sacristy suffered minor damage, while the church’s holy communion chalices and holy Bibles “were all unscathed,” IOL reported.

Casualties and cause

No one was injured in the incident. It is not yet clear how the fire started, according to IOL.

Aftermath and congregation plans

All planned congregational activities for the week were cancelled. IOL reported that the church leadership team is arranging the coming Sunday’s divine service with the Apostle and will communicate plans once confirmed.

Church statement

“It is with a heavy heart that we have to inform you of our Towerby church building that was unfortunately completely destroyed this afternoon due to a fire,” the church said in a statement.

“The building is condemned and cannot be used in its current state. Miraculously the sacristy suffered minor damage and the holy communion chalices and the holy bibles were all unscathed.”

According to IOL, the leadership asked the congregation to unite in prayer and said the District Apostle will decide on the best way forward for housing the congregation.