Associated Press - November 2, 2009 11:44 AM ET

LAFAYETTE, Ala. (AP) - Members of several area churches gathered at Union Hill CME Church in the Oak Bowery community to dedicate the new church building after the original was destroyed by arson.

The Rev. Shelia Crabb said Sunday that the Union Hill congregation has been worshipping in its new home for the past month without pews, a pulpit and running water.

The church is now fully operational. Union Hill CME and Liberty CME in LaFayette, both in Chambers County, were destroyed by fire on a single night in February. Pitts Chapel United Methodist Church near Salem in Lee County was also damaged. Four people have since been charged with arson and burglary.

Information from: Opelika-Auburn News, http://www.oanow.com/

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