99-year-old minister loses historical belongings to a house fire

MORGAN COUNTY, Ala. ( WHNT ) — There is nothing left of the home owned by Equator Black.

There is nothing but charred ruins after an electrical fire erupted in his Somerville residence on October 8.

Black says he was sitting at his table reading and studying from one of his many Bibles as he often does as a minister and elder of his church.

“When I ran on this porch right here, I looked back up that way and all of that was burning up there,” Black explained.

Black lost everything that hes owned since his family purchased the land in the early 1900s, including historical photographs that date back to World War II, as well as family belongings he cherished as a child.

“I lost all of that,” said Black. “My mama’s stuff and my sons as well.”

At 99 years of age, Black still farms more than 300 acres of land that he took over in 1933 on his own.

Although he lost everything that he owns, Black said losing that is not as important as holding on to the friendships that he’s made in his community. A community that has come together for prayer and support.

“Because he’s taught us how to look on the positive side of life and to be thankful for every blessing that he has,” Black’s friend Jim Verhine said.” “Equator comes to all of our spiritual meetings on Wednesday morning at 6 a,m. and has changed all of our lives because of his presence.”

Black says he will remain close to his bible and that he will get the help that he needs.

“Romans 8:31 says God will be for you. He will take care of everything that you need,” Black said.

A GoFundMe account has been set up for Equator Black to help recover his losses.

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