Oakmont's first black church reopens after fire
OAKMONT, Pa. (AP) — When Dorothy Griffin saw her beloved church burn down nearly four years ago, her heart broke. But not her faith.
"We were planning a special service that Sunday," said Griffin, 91, the oldest member of St. Paul Baptist Church in Oakmont. "It was our pastor's anniversary ... I knew in my heart that we had to rebuild, and I believed in my heart that God was going to enable us to rebuild."
The congregation did, with the help of other churches and organizations throughout the borough.
A new, larger place of worship now stands at 435 Second St. Parishioners celebrated its dedication last week.
"Three and a half years was a challenge," Deacon William Kemp said.