January 29, 2001

Two state ministers lose homes to fire
___Two Texas ministers recently saw fire race through their homes.
___Bill Merritt, pastor of Grosvenor Baptist Church in Brownwood, was living in an older double-wide mobile home before it burned completely Jan. 20. Merritt and his wife lost almost everything, including their clothes, possessions and even their eyeglasses. The only things saved were his sermon notes and a few clothes.
___Dan Connally, director of missions for Heart of Texas Baptist Area, said the churches in the local association are attempting to aid the couple in their recovery.
___The association has given the couple $2,000 to meet immediate needs.
___For now, they are living in a small travel trailer owned by their daughter.
___Insurance will not cover the loss, because the mobile home was of such an age that insurance companies would provide only limited coverage.
___The association is accepting donations for the Merritts. Connally may be contacted at (915) 643-1348.
___Bill Ingram, minister of music and administration at First Baptist Church in Baytown, saw his home catch flame the day after he announced he would retire at the end of January. The loss was about 60 percent of the home and many possessions, including a car, organ and piano. Also lost was a Thomas Kinkade painting Ingram's wife, Sylvia, had received as a Christmas present just days before.
___The Ingrams currently are living in an apartment. Insurance is expected to take care of most of the fire's damage, but the vehicle had only liability coverage.
___The day after the fire, Ingram was continuing to minister, officiating at the funeral for a long-time friend and charter member of the church.

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