CHESTER, S.C. -- Less than two years after an unknown arsonist burned their church to the ground, members of Antioch Baptist Church conducted worship in a new sanctuary.
The (Rock Hill) Herald reported it was a 17-month struggle to rebuild the predominantly black church, but the congregation stayed together, meeting at Finley Park Community Center.
The Rev. Paul Long said he refuses to be angry at the person who burned the sanctuary and education building.
"Buildings come and buildings go," Long said. "People remain. We are still here."
At Antioch, there is no time for bitterness or thoughts of revenge. Church trustee Richard Foster said the congregation is rejoicing at being able to rebuild.
"We have traveled a long road," he said. "The road now ends back at Antioch."
