The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information after a historic church in Hatley went up in flames.
On Friday, Harmony Baptist Church on North Harmony Road caught fire around 11:45 p.m. On Tuesday, law enforcement took to social media to expound on its investigation, saying “arson is expected.
Harmony Baptist Church organized its first congregation in 1854 before opening its first church building in 1861, per a report from the Monroe Journal. In 1910, a new building had been constructed and it was used until the mid-2000s when the last service at Harmony Baptist Church was held. Since the final service, the now-destroyed building has been fostered by Rocky Springs and Quincy Baptist churches.
The neighboring cemetery, which is still used by the Harmony Church Cemetery Association, was not damaged in the fire.
In partnership with Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for any tips leading to an arrest. People who submit to (800) 530-7151 or through the Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers app are guaranteed anonymity.
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