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Middletown church damaged by fire

111 views · Published 1 February 2017 · 0:21 · Indexed 21 September 2026

Channel: LOCAL 12 · 2017 · News & Politics

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MIDDLETOWN, Ohio (WKRC) - Members of a church in Middletown are trying to pick up the pieces, after fire swept through the Tytus Avenue First Church of God.

Flames and smoke overnight, left the congregation searching for a place to worship on Sunday and many parents are now searching for a new daycare center, too.

You can see just how severely damaged the church is after the fire broke out early this morning.

The Middletown Fire Department was called out about 2:30 a.m. Sunday morning when a police officer saw smoke in the area and discovered the Tytus Avenue First Church of God was on fire.

The deputy chief says they are still investigating what caused the fire. Fortunately, nobody was hurt.

The pastor says much of the damage was to the educational wing and main daycare where building strong foundations learning center was located.

"This is a family and so family responds they don't react they respond and we work to get our family back together and let everyone know everything is gonna be okay," said Pastor Damon Curtis.

The director says they care for about 45 kids and now have to find a temporary location.

"If there's another church that has a facility that they think would be good for a daycare and they could take us in temporarily that would be great. If there's another program that has room for 45 children and some staff to come in and help us out temporarily the church is planning on rebuilding so that would be wonderful," said Beth Rettich.

The deputy chief says there was smoke damage throughout the church including the sanctuary. The pastor says they are still working to figure out where service will be held in the meantime.

The pastor says more than 100-people attend the church.

The Sunday service was still held Sunday morning but it in a gymnasium at "Poasttown First Church of God".

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