Arson or other foul play is not suspected at this time. Investigators early Tuesday say the fire originated in the basement kitchen, but the damage is so severe, the precise cause of the blaze may never be determined.
The once beautiful Greenville Temple was built in 1929, financed by local merchant Arthur Crafts. It has been the home of Columbia-Doric Lodge 149 and was considered one of the town's major landmarks. There's no word yet as to where the lodge may be meeting temporarily until decisions can be made as to its future location.
According to multiple reports, fire crews from four nearby towns attempted to battle the blaze, but freezing temperatures froze up trucks and other equipment. Crews attempting to battle the blaze inside were forced out as large pieces of slate caved in the burning roof.
The interior has been gutted, but the brick exterior walls are still standing. A report from WABI-TV 5 says the building hasn't yet been declared a complete loss, but inspectors will have to determine the structural integrity of what's left outside before a decision to rebuild can even be considered.
I haven't been able to find any decent images of the lodge's interior, nor have I found their social media or web pages. If anyone can provide those, I'll be happy to update this post.
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