The predominantly black Massachusetts church burned down shortly after President Barack Obama’s election has been rededicated.
Bishop Bryant Robinson Jr., left, pastor of the New Macedonia Church of God in Christ says goodbye to Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick after the governor spoke at the official opening of the church in Springfield Saturday. In the middle is Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr., the presiding bishop and chief apostle of the Church of God in Christ.
The congregation of Macedonia Church of God in Christ in Springfield held a dedication ceremony Saturday after a two-year project to rebuild the church on the same site.
Two men, Benjamin Haskell and Thomas Gleason, have pleaded guilty in connection with the fire. Haskell is serving a nine-year prison sentence, and Gleason awaits sentencing. A third man, Michael Jacques, was convicted in April of various charges in connection with the fire, including conspiracy against civil rights.
Prosecutors have called the fire an angry act of racism.
Gov. Deval Patrick, the state’s first black governor, attended the morning ceremony.
Source: The Associated Press
