THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Wednesday, June 19, 1996              TAG: 9606190368
SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B7   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: BY MIKE MATHER, STAFF WRITER 
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH                    LENGTH:   24 lines

STORAGE SHED NEAR BEACH CHURCH IS SET AFIRE

An intentionally set fire destroyed a small shed near a church Tuesday, but officials said there is nothing to link the blaze to a series of arsons that have plagued black churches in the South.

Fire spokesman Mike Wade said the arsonists targeting black churches have typically struck rural buildings late at night or early in the morning. The fire outside Green Run Baptist Church was set in the middle of the day, about 1:30 p.m., and near a major thoroughfare.

The church, which has a mixed-race congregation that is mostly white, is in the 1200 block of Rosemont Road.

The fire destroyed a shed about 15 feet from the rear of the church. The church building was not damaged, Wade said. The shed contained lawn mowers, grass trimmers and construction material, Wade said.

Witnesses reported seeing a black pickup near the church about the time the fire started, but it was not certain if the truck was connected to the blaze.

Fire investigators said they had no suspects in custody. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Solvers at 427-0000. by CNB