Burned Church Reopens

SMITH COUNTY — Arsonists Jason Bourque and Daniel McAllister left their mark on ten East Texas churches. Now those congregations are rebuilding. The latest sanctuary to re-open: the new Dover Baptist Church in Smith County. The church now is nearly three times its original size. Pastor A.R. Wynn showed our news partner KETK a pair of pews saved from the destruction of the old church. Wynn says they pay tribute to the past and says the arson didn’t split up the congregation. According to Wynn, “Actually I think it pulled the church closer together, and I’ve heard the people from the other churches talk about how it drew them together. They had to unite to get through this time and certainly this church has done well with that.”

Volunteers came to help with the rebuilding of Dover, and some spent nearly a year doing so. To honor those who helped rebuild and the businesses who made donations, there will be a dedication to them February 6.