
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, May 4, 1995                   TAG: 9505040052
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: S-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: BREEA WILLINGHAM
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

CLERGYMEN EXTEND A HAND

Members of the Roanoke Baptist Ministers Conference gathered outside the charred remains of Gainsboro's old First Baptist Church on April 27 - five days after fire caused extensive damage to the landmark - and announced they are deeply saddened by the tragedy and want to lend a helping hand to the community.

"We, as the body of the Baptist clergy, want to extend our sympathy. Whatever we can do we'll do as best we can. We support whatever posture the church desires to take," said the Rev. Samuel Robinson, chairman of the conference.

Despite the detrimental effects of the fire, the organization said it has strengthened the community.

"This has only drawn us closer together. We are a close community anyway and this just strengthens our relationship," said the Rev. Edward T. Burton, pastor of Sweet Union Baptist.

Robinson added: "When it affects one, it affects the whole extended family."

Members of the organization also expressed their sympathy for the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing.

"These are people we are concerned about because they are human beings and we care about human beings as God's creations anywhere," said Burton.

Whatever becomes of the First Baptist Church in the future, the conference expects it to be positive.

"We look forward to the situation becoming better as a whole ... because we are one community. We're willing to help spiritually or physically - whatever we can do as a city," said the Rev. Ronald Marsh, associate minister of the High Street Baptist Church.

"Every effort should be executed to have this African-American church. It serves as a rock for the weary land. It has been strong, a beacon of light to the community," said the Rev. J. Eugene Young, pastor of the Jerusalem Baptist Church.

by CNB