Cedar Grove Church Lost in Fire Due to Car Crash

Cedar Grove General Baptist Church was lost due to a fire on February 1, 2025.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Cedar Grove General Baptist Church, one of the oldest churches in Edmonson County, was lost in a fire tonight after a bizarre car crash on the church property.

According to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, Tony Jaggers, (65), of Bee Spring was headed east on Cedar Grove Church Road, when the car veered off the left side of the roadway. Jaggers then over-corrected and the car exited the right side of the roadway where the vehicle came to a stop in between the church and the church's propane tank, the Sheriff's Office said. The vehicle was either on fire at the time of Jagger's exit, or soon after, but details are unclear at this time, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Firefighters try to control a fire at Cedar Grove General Baptist Church in Bee Spring on February 1, 2025.

Firefighters work at the vehicle that crashed near Cedar Grove Church on February 1, 2025.

The church bell is still standing in a fire at Cedar Grove Church on February 1, 2025.

Fire is visible under the foundation of Cedar Grove Church.

Several church members gathered nearby as they mourned the loss of their church. They shared multiple memories of the church, which was said to be over 140 years old.

"It's just awful," one woman said through tears. "But the Lord knows all about it."

Bear Creek Fire Chief J.T. Carroll said he was one of the first to arrive and that the car and one side of the church was engulfed in flames at that time.

The church's propane tank was in danger for a brief time but firefighters were able to cool it down, Carroll said, in addition to outside temps just above freezing.

Firefighters on scene at Cedar Grove Church.

Firefighters on scene at a fire at Cedar Grove Church Road.

Some of the walls were still standing at the church, but firefighters said it would most likely be a total loss.

All county fire departments responded to the scene that included Bear Creek, Kyrock, Lincoln, Brownsville, Chalybeate, Rocky Hill, and Wingfield. Warren Rural Electric also responded to the scene.

Law enforcement said details of the crash were limited and under investigation. No injuries were reported.

In addition to the fire departments and law enforcement, Warren Rural Electric also responded.

Tonight's blaze marked the seventh fire in the county in as many days. Multiple structures and vehicles have been lost over the course of the week, despite firefighters best efforts. All county fire departments, all volunteer, have responded all over the county and in all hours of the days and nights.