Spirit of Union Baptist Church Members Unbroken

Monday's fire may have temporarily left the Union Baptist church congregation homeless, but it hasn’t dampened the spirits of its members.

Pastor Reginald L. Hudson and his congregation gathered inside the New Roc basketball court, huddled on bleachers while reporters kept a respectful distance. 

“It’s difficult, it’s painful,” said Reginald wearily in response to an inquiry as to his current state of mind.

Describing his work with the church as a “life-changing experience ... a spiritual foundation to get refreshed to work with God,” Reginald continued to remain optimistic in the face of disaster. 

“Already, there’s been such a positive attitude from everyone, it’s brought us together,” he said. “There’s been so much support—we’re excited about rebuilding and focused in that direction now.”

The fellowship will continue this Sunday, said Reginald, but a venue has not yet been confirmed.

The Reverend Malcolm Hudson of Christian Outreach Hope Ministries in Mount Vernon—also the brother of the Union Baptist pastor—took pictures of the church from behind the still-fluttering police tape on Main Street.

Malcolm, who used to take care of Union Baptist before working with Christian Outreach, said this was the second disaster that the church has had to overcome.  Five years ago, a tornado knocked down one of the church walls, rendering the sanctuary unusable for one year.

“You’re only as strong as what you believe,” Malcolm said, referring to the strength of the congregation’s faith.

“(They're) strong enough to stay together,” he said.

The blaze, which began around 1 a.m. Monday morning, spread from the front steeple of the church to into the main section of the building.   Although the visible remnants of the fire appeared to be extinguished, firefighters continued to spray water into the church to quench any lingering sparks.

Monday afternoon, bright skies and unseasonably warm temperatures contrasted visibly with the somber mood of the small crowd of reporters, police and firefighters who lingered outside of the church as they watched the charred remains of the building be tossed around by the wind.