Greenville, August 18, 2025
News Summary
Early Sunday morning, the roof of Upstate Church Haywood in Greenville collapsed, causing significant structural damage but fortunately no injuries. The collapse occurred shortly after staff noticed cracks in the ceiling, prompting quick action to relocate equipment. Fire crews arrived to assess the situation, and while the church suffered substantial damage, services will continue in the gymnasium during repairs. Church leaders expressed relief at the absence of injuries and committed to supporting the community through this challenge.
Greenville, South Carolina – The roof of Upstate Church Haywood collapsed early Sunday morning, causing significant structural damage but thankfully resulting in no injuries, as confirmed by church leaders and local authorities. The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m., shortly after church staff noticed cracks in the ceiling late Saturday night.
According to reports, the church staff acted quickly upon discovering the cracks by relocating equipment and seating from the sanctuary to the gymnasium to ensure the safety of any potential guests. Fire crews were alerted and arrived on the scene at 9:31 a.m. after witnessing the aftermath of the roof collapse.
Fortunately, the church was empty at the time of the incident, with no injuries reported. Church leaders expressed relief that no one was endangered during the event, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the situation considering the damage incurred. The building, previously known as Laurel Baptist Church, now has about half of its roof caved in.
Images from the scene indicate further risks regarding the building’s structural integrity. Church officials have already notified structural engineers and contractors to assess the situation and ensure the building can be secured appropriately.
Despite the damage, church leaders have committed to maintaining operations. Services will continue in the gymnasium while repairs are being arranged. Church members expressed gratitude for the safety of everyone involved, sharing their faith in overcoming this incident as a community challenge rather than a setback.
The church had shown some signs of deterioration previously, but prior to the collapse, there had been no raised concerns regarding the structural integrity of the building. This unexpected incident has left members of the community in shock, but their focus remains on recovery and resilience.
In summary, while the roof collapse at Upstate Church Haywood has resulted in substantial damage, the community is coming together to support one another, and operations will persist as assessments and repairs begin.
Key Incident Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Greenville, South Carolina |
| Time of Collapse | 7:30 a.m. |
| Fire Crews Arrived | 9:31 a.m. |
| Injuries Reported | No |
| Damage | Half of the church roof caved in |
| Future Services | Intent to hold services in the gymnasium |
FAQs
What caused the roof collapse at Upstate Church Haywood?
The roof collapse occurred after church staff discovered cracks in the ceiling the night before.
Were there any injuries reported from the incident?
No injuries were reported as the church was empty at the time of the collapse.
What steps are being taken following the roof collapse?
Structural engineers and contractors have been notified to assess and secure the building, while church services will continue in the gymnasium.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4 News
- Fox Carolina
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- MSN News
- Audacy News
- Wikipedia: Greenville, South Carolina
- Google Search: Greenville church roof collapse
- Google Scholar: Greenville church
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Greenville, South Carolina
- Google News: Greenville church roof collapse
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
