Hope from ashes of burned church as community unites to help – minister

There are signs of hope in the ashes of a Co Antrim church after a suspected arson attack, thanks to the unity and support shown by the local community, a minister has said.

The Church of the Holy Name in Greenisland suffered significant damage in a fire on Sunday night.

Firefighters worked overnight at the site which hours before had hosted a celebration for the church’s 70th anniversary.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said the operation concluded just before 5pm on Monday after 49 firefighters and nine fire appliances were involved at its peak.

Officials said the fire is believed to have been deliberate, and it is thought that bins were set alight and the blaze spread to nearby buildings.

Fundraising efforts have already started to repair the damage.

Minister Izzy Hawthorne-Steele said she was devastated by the blaze, describing the church hall as completely gutted and the church damaged.

“It’s going to be a long, long road to get repairs completely, but the community has really gathered around us, and all the churches have gathered around us far and wide, offering help,” she said.

“That’s encouraging because out of the ashes comes hope, and I guess that’s something that is going to unite the community even more.

“People have been here for a long time – baptisms, weddings – and I myself have been here since I was seven years old. To see our church this way is really devastating.”

She added: “We can’t speculate on the cause right now, we don’t think there is any reason or rationale behind it. It might just have been a prank that went wrong, but we’re not sure yet.

“We want the PSNI to get with their business of investigating it, and we would appeal to people that if they have witnesses, anything, that they would contact the PSNI.”

Bishop of Connor the Rev George Davison said the church remains alive and well despite the fire.

“The minister-in-charge and the local church community are deeply upset and shocked, but determined that they will continue their work and witness, and have been overwhelmed by the expressions of support from many people within the local community,” he said.

“In the days to come we will have a better picture of what will be needed to restore and replace what has been damaged and we will work to rebuild this place of worship. I want to say clearly though that the Church of the Holy Name is not a burnt building. It is a vibrant group of people who love their God and love the community

“They are devastated, but they are also strong and courageous, and they will continue to worship together and reach out to others with Christ’s message of forgiveness and hope.”

He added: “The PSNI has confirmed that they are treating the fire as an act of arson and that has served to deepen our sense of sadness.

“I am at a loss to understand why a church, that is such an integral part of the community and a beacon of hope, positivity and goodwill, should be targeted for destruction, but would call on all members of the community to help the PSNI in their investigations.”

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson described seeing an “appalling fire”.

“As I understand it, just shortly after they packed up the church for the evening, this fire broke out at the back of the church in the parish centre,” he said.

“By the time I got here around 10pm, there was an appalling fire, flames leaping into the sky and the fire brigade was on site. It was quite clear the building was substantially on fire and it was unlikely that it could be saved, and it looked as if the fight was to save the church.

“Although this morning you can see that the roof at the front of the church is still intact, the church roof at the back has gone completely. I understand that the inside of the church, while heavily water damaged, has been saved by the fire brigade.”

Mr Dickson said the church has been on the site for 70 years and will be there for the next 70 years and longer.

“Other churches in the community here will step in and give them space to meet in and we will all fundraise and support them. This morning youth groups and others have already started fundraising and money has been handed in to support the church,” he added.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson posted on the social media network X, formerly Twitter: “The shocking news of a fire at Greenisland CoI has now been compounded by the knowledge it was arson.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the church family as they rationalise the devastation having just given thanks for their 70 years of mission and worship.”

Mid and East Antrim Mayor Beth Adger said she was “heartbroken to hear of the devastating fire”.

“I want to express my deepest sympathy to all those affected by this tragedy – I understand how much this church means to so many, and I stand with you during this incredibly difficult time,” she said.

“I am grateful to our brave firefighters and emergency responders who acted swiftly to contain the blaze and ensure the safety of all individuals in the vicinity. Their dedication and professionalism are commendable, and I extend my sincerest gratitude for their hard work.”

A PSNI spokesman said the force received a report of a fire at the property in Station Road at around 9.10pm on Sunday.

“We are treating this as arson and I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anyone suspicious in the area or to anyone with CCTV, doorbell or other footage that could assist with inquiries to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1437 of 01/09/24,” he said.