Despite Arson Fires, Church Members Gather

What could have broken their faith has only made it stronger.

Just hours after early morning arson fires at Restoration Church at 401 Pinewood Drive the congregation gathered outside the smoke-filled worship building Sunday morning. In circles, members of the Falls Township church counted their blessings and worshiped.

“Let us stand firm and united this morning and every day as we call upon God in prayer together. We won’t back down from preaching the gospel and speaking truth. We will proclaim life, we will speak forgiveness over our offenders, we will offer hope,” lead pastor Ross Manders told his congregation.

The congregation gathered just feet away from a brunt cross that sat broken and charred.

Fire officials said a wooden play structure was also destroyed by an arson fire that was discovered around 5 a.m. A bathroom was damaged when gasoline soaked rags were set ablaze and thrown through a broken window, Fire Marshal Rich Dippolito said.

“The firemen are saying that the extent of the damage appears to be a burned countertop and wall,” church elder Tim McCleary said.

Firefighters rushed to the scene after neighbors reported the flames. Upon arrival, the outdoor fires led to flames being found inside the church, officials said.

Manders said he was grateful to firefighters from Levittown No. 1, Fairless Hills,  Edgely and Tullytown fire companies for their response and quick work in putting down the flames.

The church smelled like smoke and caution tape still blocked the doors but Manders said his faith has not been broken by the arsons.

“We’re saddened but we have a bold message to preach,” Manders said.

Anyone with information on the fires is asked to call Fire Marshal Rich Dippolito at 215-949-9000 ext. 250, or Detective Greg Small at 215-949-9000 ext. 426.