[Posted Dec. 26, 2007]

An Irreplaceable Loss
 

    A early morning fire on Dec. 20 destroyed the 142-year-old Zion Baptist Church and three adjoining businesses  owned by the church in Portsmouth. Over 35 fire fighters converged on the  site as  flames destroyed one of the oldest African American places of worship in Hampton Roads. The church was a fixture in the community and was the anchor  of Portsmouth effort's to revitalize its downtown corridor on the 600 block of High Street. Leaders of the historic 250 member church said the business of the  church will go on. Sunday School and worship services are being held at the  Portsmouth Renaissance and Convention. Baptisms that had been slated for the  following Sunday were rescheduled at the  Fourth Baptist Church.

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