IMAGES REVEAL SHOCKING FIRE DAMAGE TO CHURCH
BISHOP SAYS IT WILL BRING COMMUNITY TOGETHER
THE Bishop of Derby says the shocking fire that gutted a church in Mackworth “will only bring the community together”.
Speaking at the scene of the blaze at All Saints, the Rt Rev Libby Lane said seeing the extent of the damage first hand was “absolutely heartbreaking”.
She said it is too soon to begin speculating as to when and how restoration work could begin on the centuries-old church, which has been left like a shell after flames tore through. And her words were echoed by the church wardens who place of worship has been gutted.
Bishop Libby led prayers outside the church along with worshippers yesterday afternoon.
She said: “Seeing it for myself is absolutely heartbreaking. We know people have come to worship here for hundreds of years and as badly damaged as this beautiful church had been left, the building itself is a vessel used to by Christians to practice their faith.
“What is more important is the people who worship here and who I know will come back stronger. This is an awful tragedy to have happened to the people of Mackworth, but I know it will only bring the community together stronger.”
Flames tore through All Saints, in Church Lane, on Thursday. Firefighters spent hours tackling the flames and remained at the scene overnight and into Friday morning damping down.
While a definitive cause has yet to be released, a teenager from Derby was arrested on Friday on suspicion of arson. He was questioned over the weekend.
Yesterday, Bishop Libby led a service at nearby Mugginton Church
before heading to All Saints to see the damage in person for the first time. She said: “It is far too early to discuss when any restoration work will begin but I want to thank everyone involved since including the firefighters, emergency services and the structural workers who have been on site.
“We have Christmas, one of the most important events on the Christian calendar just three weeks away. This will not stop us worshipping.”
Churchwarden Betty Bond, whose home overlooks All Saints, said she saw the fire at around 4.30pm on Thursday.
She said: “As sad as it is, it gives us an opportunity for the future. This can become an improved site for the 21st century.”
Fellow churchwarden Bryan Jones, agreed. He said: “We have sometimes struggled hosting events at the church. A new one would give us that chance to make better use for the community of Mackworth.”
Anyone who may have information about the incident is asked to call Derbyshire police on 101, quoting reference 20*639983. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously and free by calling 0800 555 111.