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By Melissa Lauber
UMConnection Staff

'We?ve got company,' the Rev. James E. McMahan called out to his wife as he led into the parsonage 50 preschool children who were fleeing a fire in the church next door.

Fire broke out at Brooklyn UMC in Baltimore on the morning of Thursday, Feb. 8. Firefighters were able to isolate the blaze to the area of the 80-year-old church that held the pastor?s study, McMahan said.

'Our first concern was the children,' 3 to 5-year olds who participate in a Headstart program in the church building. 'There were a few tears, but no one was hurt.' Only an estimated $25,000 in damages were sustained. The small congregation, which hosts seven Alcoholics Anonymous meetings each week and a neighborhood food bank, will continue to worship in that space.

'God provided for us,' said McMahan. 'It?s a God thing.'

Shortly after 9 a.m. on Feb. 8, one of the Head Start teachers smelled smoke. She and McMahan investigated and about 20 minutes later, he saw smoke pouring out of the floor by the radiator in his study.

'Get everybody out of the building, we?ve got a fire,' yelled McMahan, who used to serve as a volunteer firefighter.

'The kids did very well,' he said. 'They had practiced their fire drills. A couple cried, but most were calm.'

The fire department arrived at 10 a.m.

On the hill where the church is located is one of the coldest spots in the city. 'The wind was blowing to beat the band,' said McMahan, so he ushered the children and teachers into the parsonage.

His wife Carolyn and a friend who was visiting got them settled and served them popcorn. Gradually, the parents came to pick up the children.

Outside the parsonage, onlookers at the church said they saw flames shoot out the food pantry door. At one point, water shot 20 to 30 feet in the air, and then froze on the sidewalk and streets, making it treacherous to walk. The fire department battalion chief told McMahan that they almost lost the building.

But after a 40-minute battle the flames were extinguished.

Investigators have ruled out arson.

The smell of smoke lingered in the sanctuary Sunday, Feb. 11. But the congregation gathered to give thanks. 'It is only by the grace of God that we?re here. For that we praise, God,' said McMahon.

Brooklyn, with 35 members in worship on a typical Sunday, has gone through some difficult times. Someone was murdered recently not far from the church. One Christmas Eve, their church was robbed.

But those who attend are faithful, McMahon said. 'All in all, we are blessed.'

The Rev. C. Anthony Hunt, superintendent of the Baltimore-Harford District was present at the worship service.

'We thank God for you,' he told the congregation. 'I see God?s presence in each of you. ? Together, we praise God who gives us hope. Where there is hope, there is life and where there is life, there is reason to go on.'