Watertown Daily Times | Rainbow-painted bench supporting gay acceptance burned at Ogdensburg church

A newly installed rainbow-painted bench at the First Presbyterian Church — signifying the church’s openness toward the gay and lesbian community — was intentionally set on fire early Monday morning, a church official said.

The Rev. Laurena M. Wickham Will, the church pastor, said members of the Ogdensburg Fire Department put out the flames at 3:06 a.m.

“It’s shocking. Heartbreaking,” Mrs. Will said. “I can tell you that someone who is very angry did something very hurtful here.”
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The alleged arson already has prompted an outpouring of support from the church’s congregation and the Ogdensburg community at large, Mrs. Will said. She said one community member already has volunteered to pay for new materials to rebuild the bench.

Watertown Daily Times | Rainbow-painted bench supporting gay acceptance burned at Ogdensburg church