Portsmouth congregation unites in worship, plans its rebirth

PORTSMOUTH

As demolition crews worked through the debris of Zion Baptist Church in downtown Portsmouth, hymns and Christmas music filled the first floor of Renaissance Hotel a few blocks away.

Zion's Sunday services carried on.

It was, said lifelong church member Jessica Coker, just as it should be.

"We always come together every Sunday; it's about family for us," she said. "This is a regular Sunday service. No matter where we are, it's a regular Sunday."

The hours-long worship service attracted almost 200 worshippers and guests, about 75 people more than usual, said Debra Jones, chairwoman of the Trustee Ministry for the church.

Portsmouth's 142-year-old Zion Baptist Church building and the community services center it operated were destroyed in an early morning fire last week. The fire also claimed a nearby store and apartment.

Investigators learned Friday that the fire began in the church sanctuary, but asbestos prevented workers from investigating further, said Michael Moore of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Investigators expect to resume work Wednesday.

Zion is already planning for the future.

"It just demonstrates that we're about serving the Lord no matter what," Jones said, as worshippers filled baskets with offerings. "It's good to see them out."

She said the church has been overwhelmed with support, gifts of money, computers and places to worship. On Sunday, members passed out fliers telling guests donations can be made at TowneBank.

Support is essential if the church is to re-emerge from this fire, said W.L. Parrish II, executive minister of American Baptist Churches of the South.

Parrish, who worshipped with Zion on Sunday, estimated that it will take three to four years and $10 million to $15 million to rebuild the church.

He called on members to establish partnerships and seek donations, pro bono work, help from nonprofit groups and anyone else who can contribute. He reminded people that "you have not because you ask not."

"Those buildings represented sacrifice, blood, sweat and tears," Parrish said. "You are at a very critical point, and I'm hoping that you will rise to the occasion because God is trying to take Zion Baptist Church to another level."

Amy Coutee, (757) 222-5216, amy.coutee@pilotonline.com