By Jon P. Zaimes/jzaimes@delawarefreenews.org
FELTON, DELAWARE (12/2/2014) State fire investigators say all three fires at churches in rural areas near Felton early today were arson.
The Healing Hands Christian Church, in the 500 block of Berrytown Road west of Felton, was engulfed in flames when Felton firefighters arrived about 2 a.m. The small church building was destroyed, with damage estimated at $75,000.
While battling this blaze, a small fire was reported at Manship Chapel in the 4900 block of Burnite Mill Road (State Route 12) a few miles west of Berrytown Road.
The fire was mostly confined to a Sunday school room adjacent to the main chapel where services are held, but the smell of smoke permeated the building as cleanup was underway this afternoon.
Shortly before 5:30 a.m., Frederica firefighters were called out for a fire at Laws Mennonite Church at Carpenter Bridge and Canterbury roads. Damage was estimated at $10,000.
A motorist stopped at the stop sign at the intersection saw smoke coming from the building, according to church trustee Dave Burkholder, . He said damage to the 150-year-old building could have been worse had the church not done renovations the past two years that installed fire-resistant drywall in place of old wood paneling.
Burkholder said the 4o-50 members of the congregation, which has owned the building since the 1950s, would likely hold this Sunday’s services at the home of Pastor Daniel Yutzy or another member.
Pastor Bruce Tribbitt said services would be held in the church’s Fellowship Hall building next door to the damaged building.
Burkholder said Laws Mennonite has insurance and an adjuster was expected to arrive on Wednesday.
Michael Chionchio, assistant state fire marshal, said the investigation was conducted by his office with help from state police and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
No injuries were reported.
Any one with information is asked to contact Delaware Crime Stoppers, which offers rewards, at (800) TIP-3333 or www.tipsubmit.com. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
