wfn.org | HISTORIC ABC/USA CHURCH GUTTED BY FIRE

[RICH.SCHRAMM@ecunet.org]

To: wfn-editors@wfn.org

AMERICAN BAPTIST NEWS SERVICE 
Office of Communication  
American Baptist Churches USA 
P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851 
Phone: (610)768-2077 / Fax: (610)768-2320 
Web: www.abc-usa.org
Richard W. Schramm, Director 
 E-mail: richard.schramm@abc-usa.org

HISTORIC NEW JERSEY CHURCH GUTTED IN FIRE
 Word has been received of a devastating fire that 
completely gutted historic First Baptist Church of 
Morristown, N.J., on May 21.
 The structure was considered a landmark building in 
the town.  Organized in 1752, First Baptist is one of the 
oldest American Baptist congregations in the state.
 As of yet there is no official explanation for the 
cause of the fire.  Officials from the U.S. Department of 
Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are working alongside state 
and local investigators to determine the cause.
 Staff of the American Baptist Churches of New Jersey 
report that "community churches and local officials are 
rallying around First Baptist Church, offering their 
facilities as a place of worship for the church."  ABC of 
New Jersey Executive Minister Roy Medley will be worshipping 
with the congregation next Sunday "as a ministry of presence 
and solidarity" on behalf of the region.

5/24/00
WFN524A
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