Greenisland: Fire causing major damage to Co Antrim church treated as arson

Church leaders have spoke of their heartbreak following a major fire at a Co Antrim church, which is being treated as arson.

Substantial damage was caused after the blaze broke out at the Greenisland Church of Ireland building on Sunday at around 9.10pm.

Nine fire appliances and 49 firefighters attended the scene on Station Road with footage indicating the fire had caused major damage to a church hall.

Firefighters remained at the scene on Monday morning as police confirmed the incident was being treated as arson.

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The blaze happened shortly after the church had hosted a special event earlier in the day to celebrate its 70th anniversary.

Bishop of Connor, Rev George Davison, was among the guests at the special anniversary service, as well as former rectors of the parish and the Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Rev John McDowell, who preached.

In a post on Facebook, Bishop Davison described the fire as “heart-breaking” and recalled how that community had spent a “joyful afternoon celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Church of the Holy Name” but they had returned later to see a “terrible fire on the premises”.

“It was heart-breaking to watch and to stand with so many parishioners who couldn’t quite believe what we were witnessing,” he said.

“I’m so thankful that no-one was hurt and very grateful to the members of the Fire Service and the PSNI for all their efforts this evening.”

In an online video message on Monday, the Rev Dr Isy Hawthorne-Steele said: “I am just absolutely gutted that this has happened, but we will rise out of this.

“The Bishop said to me last night, out of ashes – we will come through this together as a church because we are church people – we have faith and we have hope.

“I shall cling to that, and please pray.”

In a statement posted on Greenisland Parish Church’s social media page, a spokesperson said they were “heartbroken” by the fire.

“What a shocking and terrible night for our parish and the whole Greenisland community,” the statement said.

“As I write, the smoke is still rising and the fire crews are still working hard, but the worst of the blaze seems to be under control.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support and love of the Greenisland community - people who helped us out with everything from traffic control, available toilets (much needed!) and of course a cuppa to steady the nerves.

“We are heartbroken but also so thankful - to the fire crews, to the local community, to our neighbours who sounded the alarm, and so thankful that no-one was hurt.

“We have just spent the weekend giving thanks for the first 70 years of Greenisland Parish life.

“We have every faith that with God’s guidance, the strength of our parish family and the support of our amazing friends and neighbours, our story will go on.”

The church also said on a Monday that there had been a “bit of a miracle” after fire crews rescued some photographs and heirlooms from its memories exhibition as part of the anniversary celebrations.

In a statement on Monday, police appealed for information as they confirmed it was being treated as arson.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “At approximately 9.10pm, we received a report of a fire at the property on the Station Road.

“Officers along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire Service attended and the blaze was extinguished.

“The church was celebrating its 70th anniversary this week, and last night was busy in particular.

“Thankfully no one was injured, however a significant amount of damage was caused to both buildings.

“We are treating this as arson and I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anyone suspicious in the area or to anyone with CCTV, doorbell or other footage that could assist with enquiries, to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1437 of 01/09/24.”