KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Leaders at North Knoxville Baptist Church are focusing on recovery after investigators determined a Wednesday morning fire was intentionally set and arrested a suspect in connection with the blaze.
According to investigators, evidence recovered at the scene and security video led authorities to 43-year-old Jeremy Lee Hensley, who was later taken into custody and charged with felony arson and burglary. Officials said Hensley has no known connection to the church.
The fire caused the most significant damage to the church foyer, while heavy smoke spread throughout much of the building. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Pastor Jim McNeal, a retired firefighter-paramedic who has served the congregation for more than three years, said his fire service experience may have helped save much of the church.
“I’m very adamant about keeping all of our fire doors closed, and I think that probably saved our church,” McNeal said. “The smoke can find any crevice, and it did, but it kept the fire retained.”
McNeal said the reality of the damage struck him when he entered the sanctuary.
“That’s when it really hit me,” he said. “Initially, you’re just running through a checklist, but seeing the sanctuary brought the emotions of it all.”
The church holds deep roots for many families in the community, including Debb Goosie, the church’s director of operations.
“We’ve been here since 1930,” Goosie said. “My grandparents were here, my parents were married here, and I was married here. It holds a special place for us.”
The current fire also revived memories of a devastating blaze in the 1980s that destroyed the church sanctuary.
“There are a lot of emotions because we’ve had a fire before,” Goosie said. “You immediately start wondering how much damage was done and whether we’ll still be able to have church.”
Despite the destruction, church leaders say worship services will continue this Sunday in the church gymnasium while cleanup and restoration efforts begin.
McNeal said the congregation is turning to faith in the aftermath.
“We serve a great and wonderful God,” he said. “This didn’t catch Him by surprise. Somehow, God will be glorified through this.”
Court records indicate Hensley is also accused in a separate case involving the theft of a boom lift that was allegedly driven into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in downtown Knoxville in May, causing thousands of dollars in damage. Records show a theft charge in that case remains under consideration by a grand jury, while two other charges were later dropped.
The arson investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have indicated additional charges are possible.
