Law enforcement is investigating what they believe is an act of arson at a church whose congregation is comprised primarily of African-American worshippers.

Trustees of the Fellowship Baptist Church gathered at the rear of their house of worship Wednesday morning as police and fire personnel investigated the incident. Four windows were broken and a burning piece of clothing was tossed into the church sometime on Tuesday night.  The fire burned curtains before it went out on its own.

The church is located in the 1100 block of East Pine Street, just west of Cottage Avenue. Manteca Police and church elders hesitated in calling the incident a hate crime.  

Church trustees said they were planning to have security cameras installed around their building soon. The area around the church has been a haven for homeless individuals who had been bedding down in an outbuilding at the rear of the parking lot until recently.  They noted that homeless had been staying around the outside of their church building as well but didn’t feel they were responsible for the vandalism and fire.

The church leaders expressed hope that neighbors would keep an eye out for potential problems.

The broken window with telltale ash residue was discovered by one of the trustees shortly after 9 a.m. Wednesday when he arrived at the church.  

“This is the first time we have had any major issues at the church,” the trustee said. “I think it is an isolated incident.” 

The red brick church has about 100 members attending its weekly services with Dr. Keith Morgan as its pastor.  It had formerly been the home of the Manteca LDS Mormon Church a number of years ago. 

To contact Glenn Kahl, email gkahl@mantecabulletin.com.