Home Video of Church Arson Becomes Music Video on YouTube

On January 13, the Memorial Baptist Church in Greenville, North Carolina, was totally destroyed by a fire. That same night, Unity Free Will Baptist was damaged by a fire. Investigators have determined that both fires were deliberately set, although the investigation is still ongoing and authorities have not charged anyone with arson. A $15,000 reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest.

Rick Bailey, Associate Pastor of Memorial Baptist, spoke with reporters about the fire. "I forgive the person or persons who did this. We have no clue who they are," he said. Members of both churches were grief-stricken and overwhelmed by their loss, but tried to remain upbeat about recovering from the destruction. Until they got another jolt this week.

Someone posted a home video on YouTube of the Memorial Baptist church burning, set to the music of Billy Joel’s song, "We Didn’t Start the Fire." The video has prompted an outcry of complaints from congregation members and the general public, and an investigation has been launched. A task force consisting of federal and local officials is working to find out who posted the video and why.

"It bothers me that someone would find the need to make light of something like this," Bailey said. "It makes we wonder how that person would feel if someone set fire to their house and videotaped it set it to music and posted for everyone to see." Authorities said that unless the person who posted the video is tied to the arson itself, he or she will probably not face any criminal charges.

But some YouTube visitors hope the perpetrator will have to face the music. "What a sad day for Greenville," one commenter said. I hope whoever is responsible for this will be punished accordingly."