Burning of black church ruled arson

Authorities are investigating if it was a hate crime

Firefighters worked Wednesday morning after an overnight fire at the construction site of the Macedonian Church of God in Christ in Springfield. Officials have ruled that the blaze was set. (Mark M. Murray/The Republican via Associated Press)

SPRINGFIELD - The fire that destroyed a church being built for a predominantly black congregation was intentionally set, law enforcement officials said yesterday.

The timing of the fire at the Macedonian Church of God in Christ building early Wednesday morning - just a few hours after Barack Obama's landmark victory - caused the church's leader, Bishop Bryant J. Robinson Jr., to question whether it was a hate crime.

But federal and state investigators have not been able to determine from the evidence whether it was a hate crime, State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan said at a news conference attended by federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. All potential motives are being investigated, he said.

"We know it's arson. We know it's a very serious crime and we're going to do everything we can to identify the perpetrator and to prosecute that person or persons responsible," said Hampden District Attorney William M. Bennett.

He said whoever set the fire could face federal charges, depending on what the investigation uncovers.

"Arson is a particularly heinous crime," said Springfield Police Chief William Fitchet. "And when a church is targeted, it tears at the very fabric of our community. It attempts to destroy the doctrines upon which the Republic is built."

The church is moving from King Street to a new building on Tinkham Road, which was about 75 percent complete when the structure was set ablaze.

The fire that began shortly after 3 a.m. caused about $2 million in damage, leaving a skeleton of wooden beams and tin roofing surrounded by piles of debris.

Robinson said yesterday that he was burdened by the knowledge that the congregation had been "delayed in the fulfillment of a vision," but expressed confidence that the church would surmount what he described as a tragedy.

"We have not been denied. We will build that church," said Robinson, sighing as he leaned on the lectern. "Again."

Mayor Domenic Sarno of Springfield extended condolences to Robinson and his congregation and called for a show of public support to "send a message" condemning arson.

Coan declined to say whether authorities had any leads on suspects. The officials did not detail the evidence that led them to suspect that the fire had been intentionally set.

"Let's move forward from today and collectively solve this horrific crime," said Coan, who encouraged the public to contact local police or the Arson Hotline, 1-800-682-9229, with any information. A reward of up to $5,000 is offered for clues to solving the case.

State Police, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives are assisting local police and the state fire marshal in the investigation.