The Virginian-Pilot
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It looked like business as usual inside Bethel Temple Church on Sunday, except that half the congregation was from a burned-out church in Chesapeake .
Sunday morning, shortly after 7, a passer by reported a fire at the New Light Baptist Church on Cedar Road in Chesapeake.
When firefighters arrived, they saw flames and smoke coming from the attic and immediately called a second alarm.
Ten minutes later, the roof collapsed. An air conditioning unit landed on the church’s pews, and a steeple was swallowed by flames.
An hour later, 35 firefighters had the blaze under control.
Investigators with the fire marshal’s office determined the fire started accidentally when a heater that was immersed in a baptismal pool came in contact with some dry fiberglass and had an electrical short, said Capt. Steve Johnson, spokesman for Chesapeake Fire Department.
No injuries were reported and no one was at the church at the time of the fire, Johnson said.
The church was destroyed. Volunteers unearthed some church files and a computer but little else.
While firefighters continued to work amid the smoking, burned-out remains Sunday morning, members of the church’s congregation stood nearby with their pastor, the Rev. Darryl McClary.
“I’m still getting over the initial shock of it all,” McClary said.
The New Light building was erected in March 1974, but the church has been in the community for about 90 years, McClary said. Its previous, smaller location was across the street.
“The church body collectively, we’re doing well,” he said. “As a congregation, we’re handling it very well.”
About two hours later, McClary and his congregation joined a service at Bethel Temple Church in Portsmouth. During some brief remarks, McClary said that it was God who decided it was time to rebuild.
“There is no question in my mind that this is his handiwork,” he said. “Please see the hand of God in that he is allowing us a fresh start.”
He said the whole rebuilding process will be a group effort and that no single person will be able to claim credit because there is strength in the church membership.
“You can take a building,” he said. “But you can’t take a church.”
Lauren King, (757) 446-2309, lauren.king@pilotonline.com
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New Light Baptist Church
I agree completely with Pastor McClary that the hand of God is in this. God wants New Light to have a fresh start in a New building and the plan of God is now in motion. You certainly can take away a building, but you can not take away a church. Our prayers and support are with you New Light. We rejoice with you NOW for the new church building He's about to bless you with. Elder Danny Nelson and New Beginning Christian Center Family, Merry Hill, N.C.
A sad loss indeed
I hope that the church members get back on their feet as soon as they can. It was gratifying to hear that they were not claiming that white people burned their church down as so many black church members of other burned churches have claimed. It was a tragic accident and this congregation has accepted the will of God and are moving forward. God Bless you !
A Sad Loss
This church has been serving the Chesapeake community for years. I'm not a member, but my heart goes out to each and every member. I know what burned is "just a building" -- that the real church is the people, but I hope the community will rally around this wonderful church and help them rebuild their sanctuary quickly.