Minister vows to rebuild church after fire

A minister today vowed to rebuild his church after it was destroyed in an overnight fire at a flashpoint area of north Belfast.

Firefighters fought in vain to save Jennymount Methodist Church off North Queen Street after the fire was reported before midnight.

Despite the efforts of six fire appliances, the church was gutted. Police say they have not yet established the cause of the fire.

The Rev Jim Lemon, who said the church had been preparing to celebrate its centenary, described it as a tragedy for the 500 families who worship at Jennymount.

“We don’t know whether it was malicious or whether it was accidental at this stage, it is too early to say, but the church has been completely gutted.

“We are taking about a complete new build. Nothing is going to be saved,” he said.

Up to 40 police officers, assisted by soldiers, evacuated families living near the church as nearby properties were at risk from the flames.

As firefighters continued to try to save the building, the residents were moved to a Presbyterian church hall in Alexandra Park Avenue.

By 2am most residents were allowed to return but three families living closest to the ruined church were still out of their homes.

Divisional Fire Officer Jeff Bannerman said nothing could be done to save the church.

“Our main priority was to evacuate people from Deacon Street, Gainsborough Drive and North Queen Street. In total it was about 40 families.

“This was due to the fact of the amount of smoke, the impending collapse of the building and radiated heat from the fire,” he said.

A forensic investigation will begin later today to establish the cause of the fire.