UMVIM's Response to Church Burnings

Burned Churches with Needs | Rebuilding-At Last! | Churches Completed

The media may not notice, but churches are still burning.

For additional information on connecting with the churches listed below, and others, contact the National Coalition for Burned Churches 843-853-5363; ncfbccp@aol.com.

Antioch United Holy Church - Rocky Point, NC
One of three African-American churches to burn within a twenty-mile radius, the Antioch United Holy Church was struck by arson on January 18, 1998, on the MLK holiday weekend. Teams are actively being recruited to assist in the rebuilding effort. To schedule a team, contact Irene Wallace 910-259-6145, irenewa@aol.com.

Greater Jefferson Baptist Church, Eatonton, GA
Rev. John Scales Congregation Size: 30
Burn Date: November 1, 2000
Investigation Status: arson no arrest
Estimated Replacement: 200,000
Rebuilding Status: Start Up

Greater Jefferson Baptist Church, Eatonton, GA is approximately 30 years old. This small African American church was totally destroyed. The church is located in approximately thirty minutes from Macon. Although the church had not had any incidents of vandalism, two neighboring churches--a United Methodist Church and an AME church suffered extensive interior damage about six years ago. St. Isidore Catholic Church from Illinois will be there in July and the California Arson Rebuild Team the month of August. Volunteers needed after August.

The Olive Branch at Wood Forrest, Houston, TX
Rev. Charles Stevenson
Congregation Size: 150
Burned Date: March 17, 1997
Investigation Status: no arrest
Estimated Replacement: 500,000
Rebuilding Status: Start Up

This African American church was destroyed by arson, during the 1996 Church Burning Crisis. The pastor feels that he/his church fall through the cracks during this process. They are ready to start rebuilding and plan to erect a steel frame building to cut cost. They will start with the education building first. The congregation is strong, hardworking, still intact and he hasn’t lost one member. The St. Isidore Catholic Church will be there in June. They are ready for volunteers NOW. contact the National Coalition for Burned Churches 843-853-5363; ncfbccp@aol.com.

New Zion Baptist Church, Lancaster, South Carolina
The church was destroyed by arson for the 2nd time two days after Christmas DEC 27, 2001. This historic church is 132 years old. New Zion was destroyed by arson for the first time 1984. The church expects to be ready for volunteers by August 2002. contact the National Coalition for Burned Churches 843-853-5363; ncfbccp@aol.com.

St. John Church, Pine Hill, Alabama
The church was destroyed by arson Halloween Day, October 31, 1997. The congregation size is approximately 44 people. Estimated replacement cost is $200,000. The church expects to be ready for volunteers by August, 2002. contact the National Coalition for Burned Churches 843-853-5363;
ncfbccp@aol.com.

Church in need of pews and pulpit furniture
First Baptist Church, Soul City, NC was included in the original Soul City thirty-year development plan by Rev. Floyd McKissick in the early 70’s. Down through the years the congregation worshipped at the Fire Department. In 1995, the Reverend Patricia Milan accepted the call to pastor the church. During her tenure, the first church building was constructed in 1999. In May, 2000, the church was destroyed by fire. The interior of the church suffered extensive damage. There were a number of arson related fires in the Soul City area that evening. No arrest have been made in the case. The church has completely rebuilt, but is in need of pews and pulpit furniture/ contact the National Coalition for Burned Churches 843-853-5363; ncfbccp@aol.com.

Contact the National Coalition for Burned Churches 843-853-5363; ncfbccp@aol.com.