Ga. Church Heavily Damaged, 2nd Church Arson in a Week

State and local authorities are investigating an apparent burglary and arson that left an Albany, Ga., church heavily damaged.

The fire was reported about 7:30 a.m. Monday at Metropolitan Baptist Church.

The Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s office says the fire was set in the sanctuary and appeared to be the work of a burglar or burglars.

It was the second arson-related church fire in less than a week. The House of Living God Church of Jesus Christ in Manchester, Ga., was destroyed by fire on Dec. 27. Glenn Allen, a spokesman for Oxendine, says there is no indication the fires were related.

Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.