More than a month after a fire destroyed the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the rural village of Fiette, St. Lucia, authorities have yet to determine the cause of the blaze. The incident has left the local Adventist community seeking clarity while still grappling with the emotional toll of losing their place of worship.

The fire, which erupted in the early morning hours of June 17, 2025, shocked church leaders and members who stood helplessly as flames engulfed the building they had called home for nearly 25 years.

Worship Space Reduced to Ashes

“It pains and grieves my heart to see what happened,” said one long-standing member of the church.

Units from the St. Lucia Fire Service and the St. Lucia Police Service responded swiftly but were unable to save the structure. According to church leaders, the fire reduced the building—including pews, platform furniture, and the roof—to ashes.

“It was a very disturbing moment when I received the call from the pastor that the building had been completely burned,” said Roger Stephen, president of the St. Lucia Mission. While no lives were lost, the official investigation remains ongoing, he added.

Stephen, along with the mission’s treasurer, Rose Mary Desir, visited the site soon after to assess the damage, encourage members, and offer prayers.

A Sacred Space Lost

“The church was built about 25 years ago,” Stephen said. “However, it was only formally dedicated on December 24, 2022.” The structure included a sanctuary and restrooms, and construction had recently begun on a children’s division and fellowship hall.

According to Germy Fevrier, pastor of the Choiseul district—which includes the Fiette Church—the building was largely constructed through the voluntary labor of dedicated members.

“The church created a sacred atmosphere that enhanced the Sabbath experience for all who attended,” he said.

With a congregation of approximately 100 members, the Fiette Seventh-day Adventist Church played a vital role in the spiritual and social life of the small community. “Members are still devastated,” said Stephen.

This is the first time in the island’s history that a Seventh-day Adventist church has been destroyed by fire. Despite the loss, leaders are urging members to remain faithful and united.

Ask God to take care of all of us, and we will see the Fiette Seventh-day Adventist Church restored to an even more magnificent edifice,” said Stephen.

“Let us rise to the occasion and work together for the finished work.”

Kern Tobias, president of the Caribbean Union Conference, offered words of encouragement: “It is sad news from St. Lucia, but they will rise more powerfully from the ashes. God is a God of hope, and we look forward to bigger and better things.”

Holding on to Faith After the Fire

Theodile Alexander, a local church member, reflected on the last Saturday (Sabbath) service held on June 15.

“We had a joyful Sabbath, and everyone was looking forward to returning,” he said. “I’ve come by three times, and I’m still struggling to come to terms with the reality. It’s hard to accept.”

He called on members to remain united and mission-focused: “Press together. Do not allow the devil to have his way. We will regroup, rebuild—bigger and better. Now is the time to evangelize the community.”

“In moments like these, we are reminded that the church is not just a structure, but a community of believers united in faith,” said Fevrier. “While we are deeply saddened by the damage, we find solace in knowing that everything is ultimately in God’s hands.”

While the congregation waits for the police report, members have already come together to clean up debris and clear what remains of the structure.

In the meantime, Fiette church members are worshiping with another Adventist congregation about 2.5 miles away.

The original article was published on the Inter-American Division news site. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.