Electric fire destroys the New Middle Collegiate Church, Rev. Lewis says the Liberty Bell rings again

On December 5, the investigation into the fire that caused havoc on several buildings along 7th and 2nd Avenues, including the New Middle Collegiate Church in East Village, was completed.

According to the FDNY, it was attributed to a flaw in the electrical wiring after a thorough investigation into the hell of six alarms that forced the destruction of a beloved religious facility and the demolition of nearby buildings.

The fire broke out in a vacant building at 48 East 7th Street just before 5am and spread to the Chubu University Church from morning to afternoon. In summary, a three-alarm fire broke out in the same location in February, which was also determined to be an accidental electrical building wire. On Twitter, the FDNY states that both fires are unrelated.

According to the FDNY Fire Department: 2/10 3 alarms on 48 East 7th Street in Manhattan The cause of the fire was accidental, electrical, and building wiring. The current 6 alarm fires at the same location are irrelevant. The FDNY operation continues and fire marshal officers are on site. pic.twitter.com/0FI5KwGPBr

— FDNY (@FDNY) December 5, 2020

The news about the cause of the fire is more than a week after the fire. It may not give much comfort to those who mourn the devastated landmarks, but other new details may emerge.

The New Middle Collegiate Church announced on Twitter that the Liberty Bell survived the fire and “ringed again.” This famous bell did the same for those who died in a terrorist attack at the World Trade Center on 9/11, 300 years after announcing the birth of the country in 1776.

Our bells are ringing again, and our love is still ringing. pic.twitter.com/BLofkL4HmT

— Middlechurch (@middlechurch) December 13, 2020

Both church members and community members were afraid that historic relics would be lost in flames, but after city engineers examined the upper spire bell resting place, they were almost intact. understood.

Rev. Jacqueline Lewis told Metro on December 10 that the church is planning to rebuild and, thanks to donations from around the world, the effort has already raised more than $ 200,000 in relief funds. ..

The Middle College Church, acclaimed as Norte Dam in East Village, continues its virtual preaching and is the place to retrieve historical documents, works of art, and other valuable memorabilia from the program building on 50 East 7th Street. I was able to visit.

Rev. Jackie Lewis has been bravely leading the congregation during this time, awaiting further evaluation before planning a reconstruction.

“How many years will it be? In the midst of COVID-19, we worked to care for the sick, tackle voting rights, fund the struggle, and dismantle racism. Well, this fire. I haven’t seen the official report, but the firefighters told me that the cause was electrical. Wait for the report to appear and then comment further. The building was burned down and we hurt. The fact that the bell of freedom is still intact brings us joy this Advent season, Rev. Lewis in a statement toMetro.

Rev. Lewis strives to maintain a positive mindset and plans for the future, including revolutionary education and art centers, to expand the Church’s support activities.

“This is how resilience sounds, how hope sounds. Of course, we will rise from these ashes with revolutionary love. Look forward to MiddleChurch.org,” Rev. Lewis said. Said.

If you are interested in donating, please visit middlechurch.org/ rising.