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Mother African Union Church holds first service after historic fire
Just seven days after a catastrophic two-alarm fire destroyed its historic house of worship, Mother African Union Church held its first in-person service at a temporary site, the Congo Legacy Center.
WILMINGTON, Del. - It was a Sunday morning defined not by what was lost, but by who remains.
What we know:
Just seven days after a catastrophic two-alarm fire destroyed their historic house of worship, the congregation of Mother African Union Church gathered for its first in-person service at a temporary location: the Congo Legacy Center.
The backstory:
The fire broke out last Sunday around 3 a.m., drawing more than 100 firefighters. It severely damaged the 213-year-old landmark, widely recognized as the first incorporated African American church in the United States, according to previous FOX 29 reporting. Only an unstable stone shell remains.
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Fire destroys historic church in Wilmington just hours before worship services
A beloved and historic church in New Castle County went up in flames early Sunday morning, leaving the local congregation and surrounding neighborhood in shock.
What they're saying:
"Obviously, there are mixed emotions," Rev. Dr. Ronald Whitaker, senior pastor, told FOX 29. "There are still a lot of individuals that are grieving, a lot that are anxious. We have some that are afraid, but at the same time, it’s important for us to be together in fellowship."
"We are the Motherland Nation. This is not our first storm, and it’s not going to be our last storm," he added.
The congregation gathered at the Congo Legacy Center, a space leaders say has long supported the church during times of need.
"This isn’t the first time they’ve had their service here," Kim Congo-Tucker of the Congo Legacy Center told FOX 29. "Anytime the church needed us, we’ve been here."
During the service, members expressed gratitude for the temporary space and support from the Congo Legacy Center community.
What we don't know:
Fire officials are still working to determine the cause of the blaze.
The future of the original site on North Franklin Street remains uncertain, but Whitaker said its significance will endure.
What's next:
Church leaders say they are already planning for both temporary worship services and office space while they consider long-term rebuilding options.
"We’re using the word restoration," Whitaker said. "There is a plan. We’re thankful for the Congo Legacy Center. We’re going to be here for a few weeks, but we already have a plan in place for what comes next."
The Source: Information from Greg Payne's report and previous FOX 29 reporting.