Greenville, August 18, 2025
News Summary
A roof collapse occurred at Upstate Church Haywood in Greenville on Sunday morning, yet no injuries were reported as no one was inside. The church leadership has relocated services to the gym while assessing structural issues. Fire officials are investigating the cause and ensuring safety measures are in place for the community. Despite the damage, church leaders remain optimistic about continuing operations.
Greenville – A roof collapse at Upstate Church Haywood on Laurens Road occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Sunday morning. Thankfully, no injuries were reported as there were no individuals inside the church at the time of the incident.
The Greenville City Fire Department quickly responded to the scene to assess the situation. Fortunately, the collapse did not result in any casualties, leading church leaders to express gratitude for the safety of the community. Teaching Pastor Dallas Wilson remarked on their good fortune, emphasizing the church’s commitment to maintaining their activities despite the incident.
Prior to the collapse, concerns regarding the church’s structure had been raised. Lead Pastor Wayne Bray was notified late Saturday night around 9:30 p.m. about visible cracks and buckling in the worship center ceiling by a production team member. In anticipation of potential issues, Bray and about 24 church leaders worked diligently to relocate chairs and supplies from the worship center to the gym, preparing for the Sunday services.
As a contingency plan, church services were relocated to the gym, with small group activities canceled until further notice. Pastor Wilson noted that structural issues included compromised trusses and a significant caving of the roof, indicating that the ceiling was not adhering to safety specifications.
The move to use the gym will be semi-permanent, according to Bray, who indicated that this would be necessary until the worship center could be fully repaired. In the meantime, some church members have been assigned to restrict access to the damaged areas of the building to ensure safety.
The church leadership remains optimistic about continuing operations. Wilson communicated that the church is still “open for business” on Sunday mornings, focusing on supporting their community through the current challenges.
Fire officials have initiated the process to secure the structure and have contacted structural engineers and contractors to help investigate the cause of the roof collapse. This incident brings to light ongoing concerns regarding the condition of the building, which was previously known as Laurel Baptist Church.
Overall, half of the church’s roof is now caved in, presenting an increased structural risk. Church leaders are taking decisive steps to address the situation and are hopeful for a solution that will allow their worship services to resume in their original location.
FAQs
What happened at Upstate Church Haywood in Greenville?
On Sunday morning, the roof of Upstate Church Haywood collapsed, but there were no injuries as no one was inside at the time.
When did the roof collapse occur?
The incident took place around 7:30 a.m. on a Sunday morning.
What measures were taken by church leaders following the collapse?
Church leaders relocated Sunday services to the gym and canceled small group activities. They restricted access to the damaged sections of the building for safety.
Is the church planning to continue its operations?
Yes, the church leaders aim to continue their Sunday services in the gym while addressing the structural issues of the worship center.
Who is investigating the cause of the roof collapse?
The Greenville City Fire Department has contacted contractors and engineers to investigate the cause and secure the building.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Upstate Church Haywood, Laurens Road, Greenville |
| Time of Collapse | 7:30 a.m. on Sunday |
| Injuries | No injuries reported |
| Response Team | Greenville City Fire Department |
| Current Services | Relocated to gym, small group activities canceled |
| Structural Issues | Caving roof, trusses not to specification |
| Future Plans | Investigate cause, repair worship center, continue services |
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Greenville Church Roof Collapse
- Wikipedia: Greenville, South Carolina
- Fox Carolina: Structure Collapse at Greenville Church
- Google Search: Greenville Church Roof Collapse
- BNO News: Church Roof Collapses in Greenville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Greenville
- MSN: Roof Collapses at Greenville Church
- Google News: Greenville Church News
- Audacy: Fire Crews Respond to Roof Collapse
- Google Scholar: 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.
