Sevierville church thrift store fire was arson

A fire that destroyed a church-run thrift store last week in Sevierville was intentionally set.

[Woman of the Lake]

How sad that someone would set a fire intentionally. Especially to destroy such a wonderful place that means so much to so many people. I admire the faith and strength of the pastor and the church members. God bless you all. I have no doubt that you will prevail.

[91MHSGrad]

Like the people who stole and knocked over the grave stones I sure wouldn't want to be standing next to the people in a thunderstorm!

[bailey]

this site was also the home of a youth group named the tribe ..our half was completely destroyed as well.

[bubba]

Probably nothing to do with the chuch. Sounds like the owners were looking for an insurance check.

[WTF]

bubba wrote:

Probably nothing to do with the chuch. Sounds like the owners were looking for an insurance check.

How's that possible? It was being loaned to a church with a 501(c) status as a tax write off, They paid nothing for the loan, and lost nothing for it either, and the church itself didn't own the building. AND everything that was on that site is still there, if it was for the insurance it would have to be demolished and then the church couldn't even use the parking lot for the make-shift thrift store.
You know it's really sad that in an area that prides itself on just how Christian it is I see so many people making judgments against others here.

[V Jones]

YOu don't know what you are talking about, you need to keep your mouth shut.

bubba wrote:

Probably nothing to do with the chuch. Sounds like the owners were looking for an insurance check.

[bubba]

It didn't matter what was in the building. Like most places that don't generate a reveune but have a big mortage, the owner has it torched to try and collect the insurance money. Happens all the time. Jus ask the pancake guys in Pigeon Forge. All the new Flapjacks killed his sales so POOF.

[Lee]

I remember when this complex was first built. There was a big story about how much money was put into that building while under construction. I hope the owner wouldn't do that but it was a very expensively built building just to give to a church or any other worthy cause. But I want to give them the benefit of the doubt and not assume anything. It may have just be some mean spirited vandals, kids or an arsonist. All that wood would definitely put on a show if burned.

[Kodak]

The store had these odd connected conveyor belt ceiling fan gizmoes, I wonder if it might have been those?

[Citizen]

bubba wrote:

It didn't matter what was in the building. Like most places that don't generate a reveune but have a big mortage, the owner has it torched to try and collect the insurance money. Happens all the time. Jus ask the pancake guys in Pigeon Forge. All the new Flapjacks killed his sales so POOF.

Bravo! That was my first thought after all the renting businesses in that building left! I hope officials are looking at that.

[bubba]

It's the first thing they look at.

[AmandaH]

Maybe it was one of the people that attended the church and were shunned for whatever reason.

[Billy]

Raiders Win!!!

[Bill Christian]

Raiders Win Second World Championship The Super Bowl XV, Over Philadelphia Eagles by the Final of 27-10!!! Here KABC-TV Reporter Emily Stroud Is In Live In Oakland To Cheer The Crowd

[Jenjen]

Its discusting to think that this type of thing is still out in the world, however I can say that the people at the church and those from the church tht ran the thrift store really amazed all of us Locals. They decided to do their thrift store in tents until they could find somehow to get shelter. Really shows that the Lord is in that church even down the beams of the building, everything was put there by the church!! Its a blessing to know these poeple.

[PDb]

Maybe not. Money is the least of worries. Insurance...not probable. The bible talks about those who are close to the Lord, fear the Lord (which is reverence-not being scared of)...to understand the fear of the Lord would only serve as benefit. If they were looking for insurance money, they walk away from this principle and shoot themselves in the foot.
So I doubt it was the money.
Just a thought.

[Asking]

This certainly was a sad event, with so many people having put so much into everything. Does anyone know a website which would help a potential new business use the job training, green thumb, etc. funding for a new business, along with no sales tax, the way the goodwill thrift stores do?

Can anybody have their workers salaries paid this way? Is there a minimum number of employees! Type of business? This would help put people back to work. Are any businesses excluded ?