Co Antrim church fire being treated as arson

A fire at a church in Co Antrim is being treated as arson.

The blaze, which started on Sunday night, caused significant damage to the Church of Ireland building and hall in Greenisland.

Church of the Holy Name minister Izzy Hawthorne-Steele said she is relieved no-one was injured.

She said the incident feels “unbelievable” after people were on such a high following celebrations to mark the church’s 70th anniversary.

Bishop of Connor the Rev George Davison described the fire as heart-breaking.

In a post on Facebook, he said the community had spent a “joyful afternoon celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Church of the Holy Name” but they had returned later to see a “terrible fire on the premises”.

“It was heart-breaking to watch and to stand with so many parishioners who couldn’t quite believe what we were witnessing,” he said.

“I’m so thankful that no-one was hurt and very grateful to the members of the Fire Service and the PSNI for all their efforts this evening.

He added: “The Church of the Holy Name is not a damaged building, it is the amazing group of people that I met there this afternoon and who stood together this evening and cried and hugged each other and resolved to keep on worshipping and serving Jesus in Greenisland.”

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson described seeing an “appalling fire”.

He witnessed the scenes on Sunday night which came after a special event for the 70th anniversary of the church.

“As I understand it, just shortly after they packed up the church for the evening, this fire broke out at the back of the church in the parish centre,” he said.

“By the time I got here around 10pm, there was an appalling fire, flames leaping into the sky and the fire brigade was on site. It was quite clear the building was substantially on fire and it was unlikely that it could be saved, and it looked as if the fight was to save the church.

“Although this morning you can see that the roof at the front of the church is still intact, the church roof at the back has gone completely. I understand that the inside of the church, while heavily water damaged, has been saved by the fire brigade.”

Mr Stewart said the church has been there for 70 years, and will be there for the next 70 years and longer.

“Other churches in the community here will step in and give them space to meet in and we will all fundraise and support them. This morning youth groups and others have already started fundraising and money has been handed in to support the church,” he added.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson posted on the social media network X, formerly Twitter: “The shocking news of a fire at Greenisland CoI has now been compounded by the knowledge it was arson.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the church family as they rationalise the devastation having just given thanks for their 70 years of mission and worship.”

Mid and East Antrim Mayor Beth Adger said she was “heartbroken to hear of the devastating fire”.

“This historic church has been a cornerstone of the local community for over 70 years – a place where countless individuals and families have gathered in fellowship, celebration, and service,” she said.

“Just yesterday I attended the 70th anniversary service in the church and met with all the congregation. I want to express my deepest sympathy to all those affected by this tragedy – I understand how much this church means to so many, and I stand with you during this incredibly difficult time.

“I am grateful to our brave firefighters and emergency responders who acted swiftly to contain the blaze and ensure the safety of all individuals in the vicinity. Their dedication and professionalism are commendable, and I extend my sincerest gratitude for their hard work.

“Let us come all together in solidarity and support for one another as we navigate the path ahead.”

A PSNI spokesman said the force received a report of a fire at the property in Station Road at around 9.10pm on Sunday.

“Officers along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire Service attended and the blaze was extinguished,” he said.

“The church was celebrating its 70th anniversary this week, and last night was busy in particular. Thankfully no-one was injured; however, a significant amount of damage was caused to both buildings.

“We are treating this as arson and I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anyone suspicious in the area or to anyone with CCTV, doorbell or other footage that could assist with inquiries, to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1437 of 01/09/24.”