New Calvary Baptist Church

The Distruction of The Mother African Union Church

Grace and peace be unto you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

This week, our hearts were deeply saddened by the devastating fire that destroyed the historic Mother African Union Church — affectionately known throughout our region as “The Motherland.”  For generations, that sacred place stood as more than bricks and mortar.   Dating back to the dark days of slavery, it has represented faith, freedom, perseverance, worship, and the enduring witness of the Black church in Wilmington and beyond.

Many souls were saved there.
  Many prayers were prayed there.
  Many sermons were preached there.  Many burdens were lifted there.

The loss of such a historic sanctuary is painful not only for its congregation but for the entire Christian community.  We grieve alongside our brothers and sisters who now face the daunting task of rebuilding after such a heartbreaking tragedy.

Yet even in moments like these, we are reminded that while fire may consume a building, it cannot destroy the Church of Jesus Christ.   The presence of God has never been confined to stained glass, wooden pews, or sanctuary walls.  Our hearts are steadied by words of 2 Corinthians 5:1 : “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”

The legacy of Mother Union still stands — in the lives transformed there, in the history made there, and in the faith carried forward by its people.

As the family of New Calvary, let us respond with prayer, compassion, encouragement, and unity.  We lift up Reverend Dr. Ronald Whitaker, Pastor, the leadership, and congregation of Mother Union during this difficult season.   And let this tragedy remind all of us not to take for granted the privilege of gathering together in worship.

Buildings are important, but souls are eternal.
  Structures may fall, but faith still stands.
  Ashes may remain, but hope still rises.

We believe God will bring beauty from these ashes, strength from this sorrow, and restoration from this loss.

Please continue to pray for the Mother Union Church family and all those impacted by this tragedy.  Be encouraged.

With love, prayer, and hope,
Bishop Vincent P. Oliver, D.Min.
Pastor