Associated Press - September 14, 2009 2:44 PM ET
LAFAYETTE, Ala. (AP) - Members of a church in Lafayette burned by accused arsonists on Valentine's Day has celebrated its reopening at a dedication ceremony.
Liberty CME Church, 1 of 3 churches burned in alleged arsons last February, was dedicated Sunday after being rebuilt. The service began with a ribbon-cutting at the front of the church. and two choirs provided music.
The Rev. Shelia Crabb, pastor at Liberty, said it is time to plan for the future now that the new building is finished. The old structure was about 175 years old.
George Green, who owns a construction company, rebuilt the church. Green donated the new steeple, PA system and piano, and built stands for speakers.
Four 20-year-old suspects from Auburn have been charged with arson in the Liberty fire and two other church fires in the same period.
Information from: Opelika-Auburn News, http://www.oanow.com/
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