Faulty wiring blamed for fire at historic Charlotte church

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A historic church in west Charlotte caught fire early Monday.

The United House of Prayer for all People on Beatties Ford Road, just south of Interstate 85, has been a major part of the community for decades. The church just celebrated its centennial on Oct. 5 with hundreds of people from all over the world.

[PHOTOS: Fire at United House of Prayer for all People]

Firefighters were called to the church around 3 a.m. after someone driving by noticed smoke coming from the steeple and called 911.

More than two dozen firefighters arrived and worked to get the fire under control.

Investigators said the flames started up in the steeple and faulty wiring used to illuminate some crosses was to blame.

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The church’s pastor told Channel 9 he’s trying to assess the damage inside, which we learned is about $40,000 worth.

Nobody was hurt.

Neighbor Roosevelt Reuben said he's confident the church will bounce back in no time.

"Keep the faith. Everything is happening for a reason," he said. "I think our failure is just a set up for God to do something better."

>> Reporter Anthony Kustura is with investigators and will have LIVE updates from the scene on Eyewitness News.

The United House of Prayer has locations all over the world -- 31 in North Carolina alone -- but the building on Beatties Ford Road is one of the first branches.

The church is known for its community outreach and cafeteria.

Reuben said the United House of Prayer has one of Charlotte's largest religious denominations spread across five locations in the area.

While the congregation at the northwest Charlotte location is forced out for repairs, other locations are welcoming worshipers in their time of need.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story.

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