Towerby church awaits fire probe after chalices, Bibles survive blaze

Congregants show the Holy Communion chalices and Bibles which were left intact when the Towerby church in Johannesburg was destroyed in a fire.

The New Apostolic Church, South Africa, says it is waiting for the results of an investigation into what caused the fire that destroyed its Towerby church in Johannesburg, after Holy Communion chalices and Bibles “ miraculously ” survived the blaze this week.

The church caught fire on Tuesday, August 25. No injuries were reported, and it is not yet clear how the fire started.

New Apostolic Church, South Africa, spokesperson Bradley Bourne told IOL an investigation is currently under way to determine the cause of the fire.

“The church is currently awaiting the outcome of the investigation into the cause of the fire. At this stage, we are therefore not in a position to comment on how the fire started or what may have caused it.”

He said they were also awaiting an assessment of the extensive damage to the church building.

“Once these findings are available, we will be in a better position to determine the appropriate next steps regarding the property and any potential rebuilding or restoration.”

Bourne said he was not in a position to comment on how the Holy Communion chalices and Holy Bibles remained completely unscathed despite the extensive fire damage to the building.

“We are not in a position to comment on this at present and would not wish to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the preservation of these items.”

He said the church remains in continuous contact with its members and is assisting them in attending services at other church buildings as an interim measure.

“Our actions are so that they can continue to participate in divine services and maintain their connection to the church community.”

“Our immediate priority is to remain closely connected to our members and to support them during this difficult time.”

An investigation into the cause of the fire which destroyed The New Apostolic Church’s Towerby church is underway.

On Wednesday, IOL reported that the church had hailed it as a miracle after Holy Communion chalices and Bibles were left untouched when the church burned down this week.