N.C. Baptist Church Fires Ruled Arson

By The Associated Press

GREENVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Fires at two Baptist churches that erupted within an hour of each other last weekend have been declared arson.

A fast-moving fire consumed more than half of The Memorial Baptist Church on Saturday night and caused more than $1 million in damage, officials said. Firefighters managed to contain a second fire to a single room at the nearby Unity Free Will Baptist Church, where damage was estimated at $30,000 to $40,000.

"We've looked at every way that the fires could have started, and it points to arson," Greenville police Cpl. Kip Gaskins said Thursday.

Police also responded Saturday night to a reported break-in at a third Baptist church less than a mile from The Memorial. Gaskins said law enforcement officers have increased patrols near churches.

The State Bureau of Investigation and the Greenville Fire Department are analyzing the cause and origin of the blazes, Gaskins said. The FBI and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are also helping.

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories