NEWARK: Fire guts Midland Park parish hall
Episcopal News Service. November 25, 2009 [112509-02]
Mary Frances Schjonberg
Fire gutted the parish hall of one of two diocesan congregations that are scheduled to merge in January.
A passing motorist reported a fire at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Midland Park, New Jersey about 11 p.m. Nov. 23, according to a report by the Suburban News newspaper. Flames reportedly leapt through the hall's roof at one point, a local television station reported, as firefighters from seven communities fought the fire. The fire also re-ignited the next morning. People in neighboring homes were evacuated during the fire.
Good Shepherd plans to merge with Church of the Epiphany in Allendale and Epiphany's rector, the Rev. Michael Allen, said the parish hall "was to be a major part of our outreach ministry." He told a reporter that the two congregations had been gathering at Epiphany for Sunday worship and at Good Shepherd for midweek services. The merged congregation apparently intends to keep using both properties.
Members of both congregations gathered in Good Shepherd's parking lot and later were allowed to make one trip inside the buildings to remove property, including crosses and the altar book.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated. The blaze reportedly gutted the dining hall, kitchen and stage area of the 41-year-old building, blew out windows and melted plastic. A day care center located in the hall away from the area that burned had to at least temporarily relocate.
Newark Bishop Mark Beckwith held a Eucharist at Epiphany on the evening of Nov. 24 for the two churches, which will be known as Trinity Church after they merge. The service began at Good Shepherd where participants prayed over the burned building. During a report from the wardens, the congregation heard that doors between the hall and the church had prevented the fire spreading to the nave.