Despite church fire, Thanksgiving meals continue at new location

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – Bishop Avery Comithier has faced an uphill battle ever since the Elijah Missionary Baptist Church burned down, but that hasn’t stopped him from giving back. He handed out Thanksgiving meals on Tuesday at a new location.

“As soon as it happened, you know, you have 100 things going on in your mind all at once. The first thing is to get out for your safety, second thing while you’re out there watching it burn just the memories and what we were going to do,” said Comithier. “It was just heartbreaking."

His annual Thanksgiving dinner was on his mind. All the donations were destroyed in the fire.  But the community continues to rally around the church and it’s not just Albany. 

Dairy farmers from Dutchess, Columbia, Schoharie and Washington counties rallied around the church’s efforts at a new location on Tuesday, at the St. Francis of Assisi Parish South End Worship Site.

“It’s a blessing. It’s just a blessing. When one door closes, God opens another door,” said Comithier.

Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple called Comithier and said they would deliver 65 pre-made dinners and shortly after that two retired dairy farmers, Duane Spaulding and Jay Hoyt, called and said they would deliver whole milk. 

“We made some calls. I didn’t even have to call Ronnybrook or all these dairies that help us. I know they’ll step up to the plate. And the first one I called Roonybrook Dairies stepped up to the plate and we’re here with milk for the families today,” said Spaulding.

Hoyt said they’re passionate about this because whole milk is healthy and they want to get it in front of as many people as possible. 

“When I moved to the Washington County there were over 600 dairy farmers and now we’re down to about 35,” said Hoyt.

The bishop said he’s grateful for all the help they’ve been receiving. “It helps everyone, it’s just nice to be nice,” said Comithier.

Unfortunately the steeple can't be saved, however Comithier feels hopeful after Attorney General Letitia James visited the old site on Monday. 

“And she walked around the building and kept encouraging me, whatever the state can do, that’s a historical church. and so even though it’s being torn down, they couldn’t save the face she was encouraging,” said Comithier.

The bishop has hosted Toys for Tots for the last 30 years and he hopes they can continue that uninterrupted this year.

“I want people to know, even in the midst of adversity we are still trying to help,” said Comithier.