The front door of the New Northside Baptist Church in St. Louis, MO.
Parishioners of the New Life Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis held services outside yesterday after their church was
targeted by an arsonist:
The pastor of the latest St. Louis area church to have its front entry way set on fire has a message for the arsonist.
“I have forgiven him, and I don’t want anyone to harbor any hate or anger toward this person (or people). My prayer is on this road of evil that he has an encounter with God and he is forgiven,” said Rev. David Triggs.
Although no serious damage and no injuries have occurred, it follows a
string of similar fires at other area churches:
Four churches in North St. Louis County and City have been damaged by fires in the past week. The most recent happened at 1:30 a.m., Thursday at the New Testament Church of Christ in North St. Louis City. Federal Alcohol Tobacco and Firearm agents are investigating.
St. Louis Fire Capt. Garon Mosby says the fires are similar in nature:
“I’ve been in the fire service for 16 years and I can’t recall the last time that we had three churches where three doors were set on fire at the same time.” Mosby says.
Now that the ATF is working with local fire and police, let's hope they identify the suspect (or suspects) as soon as possible.