CHARLOTTE, N.C. — An east Charlotte church that was devastated by an arson nearly two years ago celebrated its relaunch Sunday.
[IMAGES: Three-alarm fire damages east Charlotte church]
Someone set fire to the Briar Creek Road Baptist Church in June 2015, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The three-alarm fire caused around $250,000 in damage. The ATF has said it has not received information to indicate that the fire was a hate crime.
The fire followed a string of church fires across the country and happened one week after nine worshippers were shot and killed at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston.
The church's new pastor Kenneth Robinson said that after the fire, the church's attendance dropped to just 15 people. The goal is to get that number back to nearly 100 people.
Along with the new pastor, the church relaunched with a new name, The Creek Church. Robinson said that name has significance.
“We're going to start all over again,” Robinson said. "We believe the creek is a river running and there's water, life in the creek. We believe we should be a place of life," Robinson said.
[PAST COVERAGE: One year later, no arrests in Charlotte church arson]
Church leaders told Channel 9 that Sunday’s message will focus on healing, help and hope after the fire. Robinson said the congregation plans to tear down the back of the church where most of the damage occurred. Members are raising money to build a new community center on the property.
“In order to relaunch, you have to have that. We can, we will, we must,” said Rodney Jacobs, a church member. “We will rebuild, one brick at a time.”
There have been no arrests made in the case. The ATF is offering a $5,000 reward to find the arsonist.
The damage was estimated at about a quarter million dollars.
“It's a patient process,” the Rev. Nora Carter said. “And by that I mean we've had to trust God for our every step.”