In the quiet community of Bedford, Virginia, tragedy struck late Monday night as a massive explosion rocked Forest Level Baptist Church, a historic building with a 151-year legacy of faith and service. The explosion caused severe structural damage, leaving a gaping hole in the first floor and shaking nearby homes as if an earthquake had struck.
Pastor Marcin Wilson, the church leader, is urging his community to come together in prayer during this time of trial.
“Right now, we are just asking for the community to pray for us,” Pastor Wilson shared with local news outlet WDBJ 7. “Of course, we are early in our planning period. We have a meeting scheduled with our leadership team to plan our way forward. As we learn what our needs are, we will make it known.”
Officials from the Bedford Fire Department responded to the explosion on Bateman Bridge Road. Fire Marshal Leo George explained that the explosion was caused by a liquid petroleum gas leak, which filled the basement and partially extended to the first floor of the church.
“When something kicked on and ignited, it gave that spark,” George said. “We are working to get the building secure and stable so we can get in and find out which component of which device was leaking the LP gas. We don’t have any reason to believe it was anything other than an accident.”
Despite the devastating structural damage, no one was injured. George emphasized the tragedy’s silver lining: “We know things are going to happen; we are just happy no one was injured. Buildings can be replaced. We wish the church the best,” he said.
The blast left a profound impact on the surrounding neighborhood. Carly Hunt, who lives across from the church, described the terror she felt when the explosion occurred.
“I literally heard a noise, and the whole house shook. I thought something had run into the front of my house,” Hunt told ABC 13. “It sounded like a large boom, and then it literally shook the house.”
For long-time church member Evelyn Read, the destruction was deeply personal. Living next door to the church, she witnessed the aftermath firsthand.
“It’s a big hurt because you think of all of the programs that we used to have up there and the fun that we had,” Read said. “It’s a sadness because I think about all of the hard work that went into it—our parents and grandparents sacrificed.”
Despite the overwhelming loss, Pastor Wilson remains steadfast in his faith. While he acknowledges the pain and sadness of the moment, he is determined that the explosion will not derail the church’s mission.
“This has made our hearts sad, but it will not stop the work God has been doing through the church,” Wilson said. “It’s got a rich heritage, and we thank God for it. We intend to rebuild and refocus and to continue to do what God has purposed for the church.”
As the congregation begins the long process of rebuilding, the pastor and church leaders are leaning on their faith and the community’s prayers to carry them through. For a church that has stood for over a century and a half, this moment is a reminder of its enduring commitment to God’s work, no matter the obstacles.
Forest Level Baptist Church has been a cornerstone of the Bedford community, offering worship, fellowship, and service to generations of believers. Pastor Wilson’s request for prayer underscores the importance of unity and faith in times of hardship.
The congregation is asking for prayers for wisdom, resources, and strength as they navigate the challenges ahead. For those in the Bedford area and beyond, this is an opportunity to support a community rooted in faith and resilience as they rebuild not just their church but the legacy it represents.