By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

Linda and Evan Major woke up early on Nov. 23, smelling smoke and hearing the blaring noise of their fire alarm.

Linda immediately called 911, who called the Columbiana Fire Department at 4:17 a.m. The couple left their home wearing only their pajamas and housecoats.

Columbiana Fire arrived at 4:25 a.m. They courageously fought the fire assisted by Calera, Shelby, Wilsonville fire departments, Southeast Shelby Rescue and Columbiana Police Department to 12:10 p.m. using approximately 250,000 gallons of water, three engines and one ladder truck.

The landmark house, built in 1903 and lovingly restored by the Majors, was a total loss.

“People seem to love the house as if it was an icon for Columbiana,” said Linda, retired Shelby County teacher. “Many, many people have been in the home for various functions. We have put a lot of labor and love into it to make it a home for any and every one.”

The firemen fought hard to save what they could. Linda was especially concerned for money that she had been keeping for her church prayer garden and for the library’s financial documents, which she had been entrusted.

So much was saved by the hard and fearless work of the Columbiana firemen.

Word spread quickly through Facebook, television and newspapers.

The Majors have been overwhelmed by the selfless love and continued support of the Columbiana community. Their every need has been provided.

“I want to urge everyone to check their smoke alarms and if you do not have one, get one,” said Evan, former superintendent of the Shelby County Board of Education. “This fire has reinforced the value of living in a community like Columbiana where people take care of people. The outpouring of love has been overwhelming. Our pastor, Buster Timmons of Columbiana United Methodist Church, said it best: ‘We have experienced the love of a Christian community.’”

“God provided his love through his people who gave us what we needed when we needed it,” said Linda. “The love of Christ is there if you are willing to open your heart and let it come inside.”

The Majors are living in a friend’s basement apartment and will soon move into a rental home while they figure out what the future will be for them, one day at a time.