The small community of Athens, Tennessee, is reeling after the devastating loss of one of its own in a tragic fire that claimed the historic Saint Mark AME Zion Church. The victim, identified as 69-year-old Linda Buchanan, was deeply connected to the church, a landmark with roots tracing back to the 1800s.
Her death has sent shockwaves through the congregation and the wider community, as they mourn both the loss of a beloved member and the destruction of a significant piece of local history.
Linda Buchanan’s ties to Saint Mark AME Zion Church ran deep. She was not just a member of the congregation; she was a part of its very fabric. For decades, Buchanan had been a regular attendee and active participant in church activities.
Her presence was a constant, her faith unwavering, and her commitment to the church and its mission a reflection of her deep spiritual beliefs. The news of her tragic death inside the burning church has left many grappling with the sudden void her absence creates.
The fire that consumed Saint Mark AME Zion Church was a catastrophic event, leaving the building in ruins. According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), the fire broke out last Thursday, and despite the proximity of the church to the Athens Fire Department—only a block away—the flames had already fully engulfed the structure by the time first responders arrived.
The fire was so intense that it reduced the historic building to its brick exterior walls, leaving behind a stark reminder of what once stood as a symbol of faith and community for so many.
The Reverend Tiki Dixon, who leads the congregation, expressed the profound grief and shock that have settled over the church members. With a congregation of 50 to 60 individuals, Saint Mark AME Zion Church was more than just a place of worship; it was a second home for many, a place where generations had come together to celebrate, mourn, and find solace.
Dixon spoke to the Chattanooga Times Free Press, noting that while the church will be rebuilt, the process will be neither quick nor easy. “Rebuilding will take time and resources,” Dixon said, underscoring the immense challenge that lies ahead for the small congregation.
The church’s significance extends beyond its current congregation. It is a historic landmark, rooted in the legacy of the Free Hill Community, a settlement established by freed slaves in the aftermath of the Civil War. Athens Mayor Steve Sherlin reflected on this history, highlighting the church’s importance as a remnant of a critical chapter in the town’s past.
Although Sherlin did not know Linda Buchanan personally, he was aware of her reputation within the community. Her tragic passing has had a ripple effect, not only among those who knew and loved her but also among those who recognize the church’s role in preserving the memory of the Free Hill Community.
“This has been a very tragic thing for the family, in particular, and for the congregation and the city,” Mayor Sherlin said. The collective grief of the community is palpable, but so is their resolve. Sherlin emphasized the unity and resilience of Athens as they come together in the wake of this tragedy.
