Church burnt down in Springfield MA possible hate crime

Congregation of Destroyed Church Moves Forward
By Justine Judge
Story Published: Nov 9, 2008 at 6:31 PM EST

Story Updated: Nov 9, 2008 at 9:05 PM EST

Mass was on as usual on Sunday at Macedonia Church of God in Christ, but the prayers and tone was much different.

Many of the parishioners, still trying to understand why their new church was burned to the ground.

Parishioner Aliesha Patterson says, "All of the church is coming together and we are basically holding up the people who are really have a hard time with it."

But many are taking the que from Bishop Bryant Robinson.

Parishioner Sharon Patterson says, "It is devastating what happened but like I said we must go on and we can't let things get us down."

Like many of the church's youth, Aliesha Patterson has worked hard to fulfill the dream of a new church.

Patterson says everyone worked together to raise money through donations, functions and dinners held at their current church on King Street.

Officials are not saying whether or not the fire is the outcome of a hate crime but the timing has left many suspicious.

Aliesha Patterson says, "It's the thought of somebody being so cruel and burning down somebody's church and if it was because of Obama then it's a hate crime and all but it's just the thought period that hurts and it doesn't matter who did it as far as race or the person you are it's just the fact of burning down somebody's church because your upset."

Bishop Bryant Robinson says, "Our faith is our evidence it's our faith and we're going to rebuild it

Authorities are asking anyone with information on this fire to call the arson hotline at 1-800-682-9229.

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