Overnight fire guts church

July 9, 2009 - 1:16 PM

BEDFORD (AP) - An overnight fire gutted a southern Indiana church, leaving only its limestone walls and some roof timbers standing.

Bedford firefighters believed they had the blaze contained soon after they arrived at the Central Church of Christ about 12:15 a.m. Thursday, but it spread into the sanctuary's attic and then to the roof.

Deputy Fire Chief Steve Havely says the building had several enclosed areas that were difficult to reach because of construction since it was built in 1950.

No injuries were reported and a cause was not immediately determined.

Church Elder Clovis Parsley says about 165 people typically attend services there and that some members were in the building Wednesday night for Bible study.