Log in to WRAL.com with one click using your favorite social network:
OR
Log in using your WRAL.com account:



Wrong email/password combination.

Forgot password?

Register with WRAL.com using your favorite social network:
OR
Register for a WRAL.com account using our web form.

2:33 a.m. • 5-21-13

Weather Forecast for Raleigh

  • Today: Thunderstorm.
    • Hi: 82° F
  • Wed: Thunderstorm.
    • Hi: 84° F
  • Thu: Thunderstorm.
    • Hi: 82° F

Other Locations

> 7 Day Forecast

Doppler Image

Published: 2012-12-24 15:57:00
Updated: 2012-12-24 23:07:02

Weekend fires burn two Stokesdale churches; one ruled arson


Gideon Grove United Methodist Church fire
Gideon Grove United Methodist Church fire
print friendly

Rockingham County authorities are investigating two church fires two nights in a row, one of which was ruled arson, WFMY News in Greensboro reports.

A fire that damaged Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Stokesdale on Sunday night was ruled arson early Monday by investigators. It was set inside the church's fellowship hall, but was quickly extinguished by firefighters.

The pastor told WFMY News that he believes the arsonist broke a window to get inside the hall.

That fire has cast a suspicious light on the blaze that destroyed Gideon Grove United Methodist Church on Saturday night.

Authorities are now calling that fire suspicious, but have not determined how it started.

The churches are about 4 miles apart.


View 2865 Gideon Grove Church Road in a larger map


1 Comment


WRAL.com welcomes your comments on this story. All comments are moderated prior to publication based on our posting guidelines. Please review them prior to posting and if your message is not approved.

This story is closed for comments. Comments on WRAL.com news stories are accepted and moderated between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Latest Comments
If this is indeed arson, then someone is a real sicko !! I hope he is caught soon and the punishment is quick and hard !!!

View Comments 1 COMMENTS