A Baptist congregation in Devon mourning the destruction of their chapel in a fire say they are optimistic that God will use the calamity to allow a more fitting church to emerge.

The roof and part of the interior of Kilmington Baptist Church, built in 1832, were destroyed in a fire on the night of March 4. The fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault.

The pastor of the church, Darrell Holmes, witnessed the fire from the manse.

The following day he wrote to the congregation to let them know of the event. He said, “Just this week the deacons were discussing the possibility that we are under spiritual attack as a fellowship. If there was any doubt in our mind, there surely is no longer,” reports the Baptist Times.

However he added, “But we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him.”

Despite the loss of the church building, Holmes said that the fire was also an opportunity to rebuild the church into a more suitable building for the 80-strong congregation.

Holmes said, “Though our building may be gutted, we are not. We look forward to the possibility of being a people on the move for the next 18 months.”

Speaking to the Baptist Times, Holmes said that before the fire broke out he had planned to deliver a sermon on Sunday entitled, “Where are you going?”, which he said would have reminded them “that God has a wonderful sense of humour”.

The congregation is expected to meet in the Kilmington Village Hall for the next few months.