Nov 24, 2009 7:55 pm US/Eastern
'Suspicious' Fire Nearly Destroys N.J. Church
Three-Alarm Blaze Behind Church Of The Good Shepherd In Midland Park Started After Hours
Bergen County Arson Unit Leading Investigation
Reporting
Jay Dow
MIDLAND PARK, N.J. (CBS) ―
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Firefighters responded to a fire at The Church of the Good Shepherd in Midland Park on November 23, 2009. The church reignited on Tuesday morning, but firefighters were able to keep the damage to a minimum.
CBS
A "suspicious" fire nearly destroyed a historic church in New Jersey just days before Thanksgiving.
The fire reignited Tuesday morning after first breaking out overnight.
The Midland Park Fire Department had its hands full with the stubborn three-alarm blaze that started around 11 p.m. Monday at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Firefighters had the assistance of several neighboring departments.
"It's always tragic when a church burns," said Midland Park resident Larry Dykhouse.
It took a few hours to extinguish, but the already burnt structure reignited early Tuesday morning.
Firefighters removed charred furniture, including tables and a bookcase. But several of the church's most sacred items - gold crosses, a bible - were spared and placed outside.
"We were able to keep the fire in one area of the building," said firefighter Phil Scaglioni.
Firefighters successfully kept the fire from the independent Ivy Learning Center and the church sanctuary.
It was a major accomplishment for long time Midland Park resident Ed Nelson.
"I got married in that church. I got baptized in that church," he told CBS 2 HD.
The fire was classified as "suspicious" because of the location, and the fact the church was closed when it started. The Bergen County Arson Unit is leading the investigation.
Church officials are just happy there were no injuries and are eager to get the building reconstructed.
"We're very thankful nobody was hurt. We're very thankful there's insurance and we're going to start the rebuilding process as soon as we're able," said Father Michael Allen.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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