The hearth that destroyed the Clayborn Temple, a historic Black church in downtown Memphis that was the organizing level for Martin Luther King Jr.’s ultimate marketing campaign in 1968, was deliberately set, investigators stated Wednesday.
The Memphis Hearth Division stated the fireplace on April 28 was began on the inside of the church, and authorities are trying to find an individual of curiosity. Memphis Hearth Chief Gina Sweat final month described the within of the church as “a total loss.”
The hearth division additionally launched pictures of the particular person they’re trying to find on Wednesday however offered no different particulars.
A $11,000 money reward is being provided for data concerning the huge blaze, authorities stated.
The hearth division stated Could 14 that the constructing had been stabilized and investigators would use specialised gear to check the fireplace’s trigger.
Positioned simply south of the long-lasting Beale Road, the Clayborn Temple was in-built 1892 because the Second Presbyterian Church and initially served an all-White congregation. In 1949, the constructing was bought to an African Methodist Episcopal congregation and given its present identify.
Earlier than the fireplace, it was within the midst of a $25 million restoration challenge that goals to protect the architectural and historic integrity of the Romanesque revival church, together with the revival of a 3,000-pipe grand organ. The challenge additionally seeks to assist revitalize the neighborhood with a museum, cultural programming and neighborhood outreach.
Karen Pulfer Focht / AP
