Tyrone Reid, Staff Reporter
Members of North Street United Church, along with well-wishers, join hands during a solemn prayer after the building was gutted by a massive blaze yesterday morning. - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE NORTH Street United Church will launch an independent probe into a massive fire that gutted the 168-year-old historical site yesterday to decide whether legal action should be taken against the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS).
The decision was taken after a confrontation between Reverend Nigel Pusey, pastor of the church situated at 28 North Street, another member of his congregation and employees from the JPS. Rev. Pusey alleged that the employees from the light and power company tried to leave with faulty wires that could have been the cause of the blaze.
"We will sit with the synod and our legal team and see what actions we will take," Rev. Pusey revealed.
Rev. Pusey is convinced that JPS was trying to hide something. "It is quite obvious that they have their tails up," he said.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
However, in response to the allegations, the JPS in a statement said the removal of the wires was standard procedure.
"If the situation is considered to be a safety hazard to lives and properties, JPS personnel would act in the interest of the public and remove the wires from the location," the JPS said.
The utility company said it had no further comment until investigations into the matter were completed and the cause of the blaze ascertained.
The massive blaze disrupted classes at the North Street Primary School. Grades one to five were sent home early, while grade six students used the day to continue preparations for their GSAT examinations.
When The Gleaner visited the 167-active member strong church yesterday morning we were greeted with a strong ashy odour emanating from the charred remains.
Only the walls of the historic landmark were left standing to tell the tragic tale. The roof caved in and gave clear view into the sky. Charred wood littered the interior as the morning sun pelted the inside of the building.
DISBELIEF
The smoke had not dissipated as billows were still rising from the rubble in the vestry.
The young and old stared on in disbelief. Some were moved to tears.
"Mi head feel kinda light," said an elderly female church member.
The unruly flames spared only three filing cabinets, a photocopier and two cupboards that were housed in the main office. Among the major losses was an almost century-old pipe organ that was burnt beyond recognition.
Yesterday, after surviving a firebomb attack, Linton Williams, pastor of the North Street Seventh-day Adventist Church, offered his premises as a possible location for services until the damaged building was restored.
CHURCH HISTORY
The church, which was founded by an English missionary named the Rev. Woolridge, would have celebrated its 169th anniversary in September.
One of the church's main outreach programmes was the Roy Edwards Human Development Centre.
It housed a bakery for income and training, a day care/nursery, a medical clinic and a computer training centre.
They are involved in the distribution of food provided by the United States Department of Agriculture through Food For the Poor and serve in excess of 300 people every two weeks.
They also operate the North Street Primary School, which was established by the church in 1837.
