Clayborn Temple leader: Fire at home could be connected
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The director of Clayborn Temple says she thinks there could be a connection between the fire that destroyed the historic church, and fires at her home and near her family's land.
Anasa Troutman, founder and executive director of Historic Clayborn Temple, says she suffered a fire at her home April 12. Another fire hit land near her family's property in East Tennessee April 14.
Clayborn Temple went up in flames April 28.
'It's difficult to imagine that they're not connected,' Troutman said. 'I've tried to convince myself that this was all a crazy coincidence.'
Still, she added, there has been no connection made among the three fires, and it may in fact be a coincidence.
The Memphis Fire Department and the ATF wrapped up an investigation Wednesday, including that the fire at Clayborn Temple was intentionally set. MFD released photos of a possible suspect.
Clayborn Temple fire ruled arson; person sought
Troutman said she wasn't aware of any possible motive for the fire, and she had not come into contact with the person identified as a person of interest.
'The fact that anyone would want to do this for any reason is senseless and tragic,' she said.
There will be a public gathering at Clayborn Temple at 4:30 p.m. May 28, remembering what the building was and what it will be in the future.
Troutman said her group is developing plans of how to rebuild after the fire. To support Clayborn Temple, visit Clayborn.org.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Advertisement 'Freedom rang today,' she said. 'A little bit too late, but it's here.' Travis Andersen can be reached at
