Greenville, South Carolina, October 1, 2025
News Summary
Demolition of Upstate Church Haywood in Greenville has begun following a significant roof collapse that occurred just before Sunday services. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries as no one was inside the church at the time of the incident. Church leaders have stated that services will continue in a separate preserved building on the property as discussions for future plans commence. Insurance has deemed the roof loss total, covering demolition costs. The demolition is expected to be completed by the end of the week.
Greenville, South Carolina – Demolition of Upstate Church Haywood commenced on Tuesday, following a roof collapse that occurred on August 17. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as the incident took place just before Sunday services, when no one was inside the building.
Fire officials had previously informed that the church was aware of a crack in the roof that posed a risk of collapse. Despite the incident, church officials confirmed that services have continued on the church’s campus, maintaining community engagement and spiritual support.
Insurance assessments have categorized the roof collapse as a total loss, with the costs for demolition being covered under the church’s insurance policy. The church’s executive pastor indicated that the demolition process is anticipated to be completed by the end of this week, aiming for a swift resolution to the structural issues.
While the main church building faces demolition, a separate three-story building on the property has been preserved, providing a venue for congregation meetings and activities during this transitional period. This separate structure remains vital for maintaining church operations and community gatherings while future plans are being developed.
Once the demolition is finalized, church leaders intend to meet to discuss the next steps regarding the future of the property and the subsequent direction of church services and activities. Nonetheless, at this time, no additional information has been released regarding the events leading up to the roof collapse or the overall status of the investigation.
Context Surrounding the Roof Collapse
The roof collapse incident raised concerns about the structural integrity of the church, particularly given that church officials were already aware of existing damage prior to the collapse. The response from fire officials emphasized the need for continuous monitoring and maintenance in older buildings to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The church’s ability to continue services in alternate settings demonstrates resilience and dedication to their congregation. Leaders are now faced with the challenge of determining the next steps to ensure that the church remains a significant part of the community, addressing both safety concerns and congregational needs in the future.
Next Steps for the Church
As the demolition nears completion, church leadership will hold strategic discussions on the future of the property and potential plans for reconstruction or renovation. This process will involve stakeholder input, community feedback, and financial assessments to guide decision-making in the aftermath of this unfortunate event.
This incident is a reminder
that building maintenance is crucial for community centers, especially those that hold significant emotional and spiritual value for their members. The church is now positioned to learn from this experience and establish more robust protocols to ensure safety for all congregation members in the future.
FAQ Section
What happened at Upstate Church in Greenville?
Demolition commenced on Tuesday at Upstate Church Haywood in Greenville, South Carolina, after the church’s roof collapsed on August 17 prior to Sunday services, but no injuries were reported as no one was inside at the time.
Was the church aware of any issues with the roof?
Fire officials stated that the church was aware of a crack in the roof that could lead to a collapse.
What is the status of church services?
Despite the collapse, church officials reported that services continued on the church’s campus.
Will the demolition costs be covered?
Insurance has deemed the roof collapse a total loss and will cover the demolition costs.
When is the demolition expected to be completed?
The executive pastor mentioned that demolition is expected to be completed by the end of this week.
What will happen to the church property after demolition?
After the demolition, church leaders will discuss next steps for the future of the property.
Is there any further information available about the incident?
No further information has been released regarding the incident.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Greenville, South Carolina |
| Incident Date | August 17 |
| Demolition Start Date | Tuesday, following the roof collapse |
| Injuries Reported | No injuries reported |
| Insurance Status | Total loss; demolition costs covered |
| Demolition Completion Expected | End of the week |
| Separate Structure Status | Preserved; used for congregation meetings |
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Demolition Begins at Upstate Church
- WYFF4: Church Demolition in Greenville, SC
- Post and Courier: Greenville Church Construction Updates
- Post and Courier: Greenville Trap Church Fire News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Church Collapse
- Google Search: Church Demolition Greenville SC
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.
