Richard Holcomb isn’t willing to let arson scorch his faith.
“It was just a building and the basis of our religion does not come from a building,” said the former bishop at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 431 E. Saginaw St.
“We’re not nervous or upset- just a little confused as to why someone would act out in such a hateful manner.”
Fire officials announced Thursday that arson is the cause of an early morning blaze that burned the East Lansing Mormon church to the ground June 30.
East Lansing Fire Marshal Bob Pratt said his team of investigators discovered traces of ignitable liquids in the church’s rubble. Samples have been sent to a Michigan State Police laboratory for testing.
“Even if it comes back negative, we won’t change our belief,” said Pratt, whose team has ruled out all accidental causes for the blaze.
“That’s only one piece of the puzzle.”
Pratt said the liquid could have been diluted by the almost 5 million gallons of water used to extinguish the fire.
Investigators also found broken glass in a door, which leads them to believe someone could have gained entry into the church. Pratt said fire investigators also have collected other undisclosed evidence that leads them to believe the fire was set deliberately.
Members of the congregation have speculated arson as the cause of the Sunday morning blaze since learning of it. A suspicious 1990 fire left a portion of the church destroyed.
The June 30 fire caused more than $5 million of damage to the 7,000 square-foot structure. The Mormon congregation that held services there has been displaced to Lansing and Holt.
Fire officials discovered the church fire about 4 a.m. that Sunday after receiving a call from a nearby resident who reported seeing smoke in the area.
Bishop Jim Chapman said the displaced members at his Holt church are holding tight to their faith and looking toward the future as fire officials learn more.
“Everyone is doing all right,” he said. “They’re just a little shaken.”
The East Lansing Police Department detective bureau is following leads and conducting investigations on possible suspects. Those with information are asked to call 877-ELPD-TIP.
