Orange Park approves zoning for rebuild of church destroyed by arson

During its Tuesday, Oct. 18 meeting, Orange Park Town Council members approved a zoning change for St. Simons Baptist Church on Miller Street.

The 3,200-square-foot historic black church was reduced to rubble during a March 2021 fire. Law enforcement officials said they suspected arson, but no arrests have been made in the case.

The new structure will include worship and fellowship areas, Sunday school classrooms and a kitchen.

The congregation sought the zoning change because the new structure will increase the enclosed floor area from 4,800 square feet to 9,134 square feet.

The town’s Director of Economic and Community Development, Stephen Smith, told council members the next step for the congregation will be to get approval for its site plan from the town. At that time, issues like stormwater drainage will be addressed.