Arson seen in post-election fire at black church in Springfield
(Mark M. Murray/The Republican/AP)
Firefighters continued to work at the site of the ruined church building Wednesday morning.
By Sarah Gantz, Globe Correspondent
SPRINGFIELD -- The fire that destroyed a new church being built for a predominantly black congregation was intentionally set, law enforcement officials said today.
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 -- has raised questions about 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 location on Tinkham Road. The new building on Tinkham 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 wood beams and tin roofing, surrounded by piles of debris.
Bishop Bryant J. Robinson Jr., head of the church, said 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 podium. "Again."
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno 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 if 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting local police and the State Fire Marshal in the investigation.
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Please find the people who did this and send them to jail forever!
Sadly the Boston area once again shows itself to be the Birmingham of the North. Except, of course, that this sort of thing doesn't happen in Alabama anymore. Shame!
This is disgusting. I can't believe in 2008 people are still so ignorant.
A despicable act.
Was hoping this was not the case. Let's hope the scumbag who committed the crime is brought to justice, and soon.
unfortunately, as loathsome as this act is, there are a lot more ignorant people out there. I fear more acts such as these as the inauguration approaches. I am not an Obama supporter, due to not agreeing with him politically. I feel bad for the direction our country has taken politically. However I feel very positive that our country has stepped so far forward and created history with a 'minority' president. I just wish it had been a different one.
Just to clarify. Springfield is NOT the Boston area. To make a generalization like that is unfair. Look at a map. The power of this election is bound to bring with it some turmoil. I'm sure this won't be the last we see of this abhorrent reactive behavior.
I find this sickening. A real sicko on the loose. I pray to God they find the individual(s) behind this and put them away for good. This nation has come so far and yet we still have this kind of thing happening in 2008. Disgusts me.
smells like a very convenient insurance job to me...perfect timing for it because no one would ever think that, they'd assume it was a hate crime.
ey LJC in Manchester.......Get a map, Springfield is 90 miles from Boston. Try worrying about your own backyard.
Excuse me Mr LJC but we in Western MA take offense to being called the "Boston area".
There also was a similar fire last year at this time about three miles away. Assisted living facility, 75 percent complete no electrical installed. Also ruled arson. The DA has stated there is no connection but the similarity's are obvious.
Where can I send money to help with the rebuilding? Suggestion to the Church community: make known where people can contribute rebuild money.
Thanks, Steve Wood
Not that it really matters, but Springfield is hardly in the Boston area, it's almost twice as far away as Manchester. And considering racism is among the most common reasons people move to NH, you have gall to disparage us city folk.
Boston has come a long way.
This is a heinous act that unfortunately could happen anywhere. I trust the authorities in MA will be vigilant in their investigation, and the parishioners of Macedonia Church will have answers soon.
Checks may be sent to the Greater Springfield Council of Churches, 39 Oakland St., Springfield, MA 01108. Checks should be earmarked to the Macedonia Church of God in Christ.
Another thought is, why would someone commit a hate crime and not want you to know it was a hate crime
"However I feel very positive that our country has stepped so far forward and created history with a 'minority' president. I just wish it had been a different one."
You mean if Palin had won, it would have reflected well on the mentally retarded, right?
This is a real tragedy. People should be able to worship how they choose. Too many are to angry to leave well enough alone and cause tragedy. If it is arson, whoever did this will be accountable. God knows what we are doing everyday. Oh, and by the way, western Massachusetts, is not Boston. There is so much to offer in other parts of the state of Massachusetts that we shouldn't have to referred to as Boston area. Western Massachusetts is a beautiful area!
I pray that the people responsible will get caught and that swift justice will be served.
What a shame, and what a disappointment in my fellow human beings.. Please do post information about where we can send donations to help rebuild this church.
Springfield is the Boston area? Um, do you have mapquest handly?? What a clown.
It is events like this that remind me of how far we still have to go to stop racist acts of violence. Yes it is a common joke to say that the election of Obama "ends racism" but this is the real world we live in and it must stop. I can only hope those that support a non-racist world will be willing to offer their help to rebuild this church and eradicate this horrible act of hate.
I am saddened by this terrible event. But I do not hate the hater. This person is to be pitied and helped he or she is infected with a disease of the soul and needs redemption, rehabilitation and yes, eventually forgiveness. Forgive those who trespass against us.
I am a New Yorker who was elated for Obama and saddened by the article in the NYTimes today. I have hoped that we had moved forward, and especially here in the north. Where can I make a donation to the church re-building fund.
Thankyou, Vincent sabio
"smells like a very convenient insurance job to me...perfect timing for it because no one would ever think that, they'd assume it was a hate crime."
Come on Disco2K - Why would the church do this on purpose to get insurance money? Get real!!!!
Thank you Vincent Sabio, we need more people like you to come forward and show the world that all Americans are not racist. I've fought in Vietnam (wounded), a firefighter for twenty years, there will always be a few, but the many must stand up and say no more. A book is coming out "Let's Talk About Race" by Kaolin, it's time we all read up on our issues as the most powerful country in the world. Peace
EVEN IF THIS WAS A HATE CRIME, THE DUMMIES THAT DID IT FAIL TO REALIZE THAT THIS ACT DOESN'T STOP THE SHOW. OBAMA IS STILL THE PRESIDENT, HE IS STILL BEING SUPPORTED MY GOD KNOWS HOW MANY PEOPLE, AND THIS CHURCH WILL BE REBUILT. IT WAS A WAISTE OF THEIR TIME IF THIS WAS FOR HATE AND THEY SHOULD WAISTE THE REST OF THEIR TIME IN PRISON .
My concern People of America' seeing this only assembly the mind to do disapproval acts against each other. We all have a part in commitment to the lord let's use that for tool! to fix this social stratification probelm. Thank god every day you wake up, it works for me!
This blogger might want to review your comment before posting it.
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