It was almost too much to look at for William Johnson and his wife, Tina, seeing their church founded more than 150 years ago, reduced to a charred loss. "How could anybody put a burn on the lord's house", said Tina.
Dover Baptist church in Carroll is home to a small congregation of about 50 people. It went up in flames overnight, even though the church had taken extra security precautions. "We hoped it would help, but we have a disaster", says Pastor Carl Samples.
While Dover burned, just down the road in Smith County another church caught fire. Clear Creek Bapist may also be the work of a serial arsonist. Federal investigators haven't ruled either fire arson, but they do believe an individual or a gang of people have been targeting churches in East and Central Texas.
Juanita Wiggins call the fires, aggravating. She watched her church burn last month and believes whoever is behind the string of blazes knows he church system. "This guy knows about churches and how they operate. He is no dummy."
Federal investigators aren't saying how the churches were entered or what kind of accelerant may have been used. They are advising congregations to not let down their guard. "Members should keep an eye out and get an alarm system, if they don't already have one", said Smith County Fire Marshal, Tom Seaton.
Authorities say they have received some tips, but nothing has paid off. They hope a $25,000 reward will help them stop the arsonist. "I want to see the person caught and punished", said Tina Johnson.
Dover Baptist church in Carroll is home to a small congregation of about 50 people. It went up in flames overnight, even though the church had taken extra security precautions. "We hoped it would help, but we have a disaster", says Pastor Carl Samples.
While Dover burned, just down the road in Smith County another church caught fire. Clear Creek Bapist may also be the work of a serial arsonist. Federal investigators haven't ruled either fire arson, but they do believe an individual or a gang of people have been targeting churches in East and Central Texas.
Juanita Wiggins call the fires, aggravating. She watched her church burn last month and believes whoever is behind the string of blazes knows he church system. "This guy knows about churches and how they operate. He is no dummy."
Federal investigators aren't saying how the churches were entered or what kind of accelerant may have been used. They are advising congregations to not let down their guard. "Members should keep an eye out and get an alarm system, if they don't already have one", said Smith County Fire Marshal, Tom Seaton.
Authorities say they have received some tips, but nothing has paid off. They hope a $25,000 reward will help them stop the arsonist. "I want to see the person caught and punished", said Tina Johnson.
