Connellsville church fire ruled arson
CONNELLSVILLE – The Wesley United Methodist Church has welcomed congregational members and the community through its doors for well over 80 years for a variety of services, weddings and other events, but on Wednesday an unwanted guest darkened a rear entranceway. Shortly after 9 a.m. the city fire department and New Haven Hose Volunteer Fire Co. was dispatched to the South Pittsburgh Street church where a rear doorway was found to be smoldering.
Investigators have ruled the fire as arson.
“When the call came in, I said ‘not again,'” said longtime church board member Jim Hines as he continued to open and close windows to circulate air through the building that was filled with a smoke odor from the fire.
In December 1995 the sanctuary was heavily damaged when fire swept through the building. Wednesday’s blaze took place in an anteroom just outside the church sanctuary. In addition to the doorway, carpeting was also damaged.
Hines along with church pastor, the Rev. David Bell and Frank Sherman, United Methodist Church district superintendent, were overseeing temporary repairs being made to the doorway and asking why someone would set fire to the landmark.
“It just doesn’t make any sense,” said Bell.
The officials said that no one was at the church at the time of the fire, but were notified by a security alarm system that was activated when smoke began accumulating in the building.
Sherman, meanwhile, said in addition to notifying the insurance company, assisting investigators and alerting congregational members as to what had transpired during the early morning hours, the officials would be preparing to conduct Sunday services.
“You do the practical things and get things operating so that you can continue with the ministry,” Sherman said.
The church is located just two blocks from the site of a Feb. 2 fire that destroyed a shuttered business and two vacant apartments and within walking distance of a Jan. 1 blaze that damaged a rear porch after an unknown arsonist set a cardboard box containing cleaning products afire.
Since October 2003, investigators have logged 27 arson-related fires. Police have said more than one person is responsible for the fires.
Connellsville police Chief Stephen Cooper declined to discuss the specifics of the ongoing investigation that now included the church fire, but said that it is vital that residents be aware of the comings and goings in their neighborhoods and take every precaution to make sure they do not become a fire victim.
“It is vital that you pay attention to noises such as car doors slamming or dogs barking,” he said. “Take a few seconds to look out a door or window and if anything appears to be out of the ordinary, contact 911.”
He also cautioned homeowners to avoid placing flammable items near their homes and to avoid putting trash out for collection in advance.
“Make sure that your smoke detectors are in good working order and that outdoor lighting is used during the overnight hours,” Cooper said. “Most importantly, don’t become complacent.
“Everyone needs to be vigilant.”
Cooper said that in addition to the local department, investigators with the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were also at the scene Wednesday.
The ATF is offering up to a $10,000 reward for information about the fires while the Fayette County Crime Stoppers has posted up to a $4,000 reward leading to the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible for starting the fires. The city, too, has contributed $1,000 to the reward fund.
Those with information about any of the fires can contact the ATF toll free at 888-ATF-FIRE (888-283-3473) or the Crime Stoppers tip line at 724-437-TIPS (8477).
The city police can be reached at 724-628-2501, ext. 110. All information will be kept confidential.