Jan. 30, 1998
CONTACT: Linda Bloom (Release #54) New York (212) 870-3803
GBGM Note: See also, United Methodists continue to assist burned churches
PITTSBURGH, Pa. (UMNS) – Arson has been ruled as the cause of a Jan. 20 fire that destroyed the Barren Run United Methodist Church in South Huntington Township, Westmoreland County.
It was one of three rural church fires within a week in southwestern Pennsylvania. Salem Baptist Church in Rostraver Township , about 10 miles away, was firebombed on Jan. 22 but spared major damage. Pike Run Church of the Brethren in Somerset was destroyed by arson on Jan. 27.
A series of fires at black churches over the past few years has brought national attention to church burnings. Congregations at the three Pennsylvania churches were predominantly white.
The state fire marshals from Washington, Pennsylvania State Police Barracks and agents from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms made the ruling at Barren Run after sifting through the charred rubble.
According to the Rev. James Myers, pastor, officials said the fire began near the back entrance of the church where the choir robes were stored.
It had been less than three years since the neighboring Glenwood United Methodist Church was set on fire by an arsonist. The Glenwood church is less than four miles from Barren Run.
Hours before the fire, local Boy Scouts had a meeting there. Earlier in the day, a funeral service had been conducted for a lifelong member.
Local firefighters arrived on the scene at 10:45 p.m. to find the 115-year-old building fully engulfed in flames. Below-freezing temperatures the next day didn’t deter parishioners from making the pilgrimage to evaluate the devastation.
One by one, they arrived, cried and moved on. Only the melted church façade and a pile of rubble where worship services were once held remain.
Barren Run is part of the Smithton Charge, which includes Winnett and Banning churches. Damage is estimated at $350,000, but the church is fully insured.
"The church is still here," said Myers while consoling one of his members, 90-year-old John Seighman. "It has been a church that the community has looked up to. It’s a strong congregation."
The church hopes to hold services in the now-defunct Barren Run Elementary School, directly across the road. "We don’t want to divide the congregation," he said.
Helen Seighman, who came like to view the damage, said, "The wonderful people in this community will rebuild it . . . more couples will be married here.
She has fond memories of the church where she and her husband were married 35 years ago. "I feel so bad, it’s like a part of my home is gone," she added.
CHURCH ARSON -- The Rev. James Myers (right) comforts a parishioner at the Barren Run United Methodist Church in South Huntington Twp., Pa., after the church building was destroyed by arson. A UMNS photo by Harold Aughton, The Interlink.
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