Clean up continues at charred Albany church

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — As the sun shone over the steeple of Elijah Missionary Baptist Church on Monday, its brown brick facade seemed untouched. From the rear, however, the devastation — courtesy of an all consuming fire — remained evident. From collapsed brick reminiscent of a war zone, to exposed support beams, and broken stained glass windows, the burned out shell of a building still holds importance for the community. 

“First of all it represents the presence of God, and secondly it represents help for… community. It's…the church has always been the nucleus of every community. Particularly here because, since we've been here seven years even during the COVID, we were about the only church that was open for funerals and all the other pastors, their members passed, but they brought and they did the service here" said Bishop Avery Comithier.

And here, is where we found the bishop Monday morning, standing watch over the building he once called home. From the doors of the still intact rectory, church members carried out whatever little items survived, bag by bag.

“Just some personal items for the now. And then, because later, maybe in about 4 or 5 days, once it's down, then I can go in there at any time” said Bishop Avery Comithier.

In June 2023, The Bishop spoke to NEWS10's Zion Decoteau in the sanctuary of the church which has stood since the 1800s. Now questions remain as to if this old building can still stand, and if the bishop will be able to recover some of its historic items.

“The mayor and the historical wanted to save the front I do want the cross on the very top. I do want the statue of the Mary and the Baby Jesus…” said Bishop Comithier.

The bishop says he's working with another local pastor to find a permanent home for his congregation, which was only in the second avenue location for seven years. Whether or not the church will be rebuilt, or something new will be erected its spot, remains to be seen.