Greater Union Baptist Church rebuilt nearly six years after arson fire

OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) - Greater Union Baptist Church in Opelousas is finally making a comeback after convicted arsonist, Holden Matthews, burned it and two other historically black churches in 2019.

Matthews burned down Greater Union Baptist Church on April 2nd, 2019. Matthews also burnt down St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church on March 26th, 2019 and Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church on April 4th, 2019. Matthews was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

News 10 spoke with a longtime member of the church, Sheryl Richard, who says hearing the news of the building being destroyed by the fire was heart wrenching.

"It was a very heartbreaking, heart wrenching moment for us, receiving a call at two thirty, three o'clock in the morning knowing that our building had been engulfed in flames," said Richard.

She tells News 10 while she and other congregants faced adversity after the fire, they kept their faith in God that they would be able to rebuild what had been lost.

"It's been a journey knowing that we were separated from the one place that was given to us that we may come and worship, but we never stopped working, we continue to do as god all has called us to do," said Richard.

She says members of the church had to adapt to praising God in different areas until reconstruction on the building was complete. However, she says people were still able to come together in strength and unity amidst their challenges.

"We had to find different places, whether it was outside or another church or another building, but we found places that we could come together to fellowship and worship God," said Richard.

To celebrate the church's restoration, members will hold a rededication ceremony. Richard says though the church is small, everyone is welcome to come and show appreciation to the man above.

"We serve a big God, and we don't mind sharing God with all we come in contact, so we're looking forward to being able to fellowship with other believers in Christ, fellowship once again in this place, and welcoming new people that is looking for a church home," said Richard.

Richard says she is thankful for the donors who were able to make the rebuilding process possible.

The rededication ceremony will be at 2pm at Greater Union Baptist Church on Sunday, February 2nd. Everyone is welcome to attend.