Shively church suffers heavy damage from overnight fire

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Shively church was heavily damaged overnight by a fire.

Louisville Fire Department spokesperson Donovan Sims said firefighters were called just after midnight to a multiple-alarm fire on Shanks Lane at Highland Park Missionary Baptist Church, which is in the Pleasure Ridge Park Fire District.

The cause of the fire or extent of the damage is not known at this time.

Pastor Bryan Cox got to the church around 2:30 a.m. to find it in bad shape.

"You feel vulnerable," Cox said when asked to describe his feelings seeing the rubble.

Antonio Lockhard, a member of the church as well as a deacon in training, said he was "heartbroken" as they watched firefighters pull debris from the sanctuary.

"I'm a firm believer of the word," Lockhart said. "No matter what happens, bad or good, everything works out for the glory of God."

One member of the Louisville Fire Department sustained a minor injury and was taken to the hospital for treatment. Sims said that firefighter has since been released.

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