Governor visits the Macedonia Church

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - On this Good Friday, Governor Deval Patrick toured the progress on the Macedonia Church of God in Christ.

It's been just over two years since the Macedonia Church of God in Christ was set on fire, the same night President Obama was elected.

This predominantly black church was nearly completed when three men burned it down.

Bishop Bryant Robinson Jr. had hoped the new church would be finished last summer, but the church lost its financial backing from its banks to rebuild.

Governor Patrick came here to tour the site in February of 2010. At that time he urged Springfield banks to rally and refund the Macedonia project.

On Good Friday, the New Macedonia Church of God in Christ is nearly 95% complete.

The Bishops says he hopes to have it open for prayer and dedication some time this summer or fall.