ocean city church fire kills two

The Ocean City church known as St. Paul’s by-the-Sea has suffered the loss their rector of eight years when a man by the name of John Raymond Sterner entered the rectory on fire and screaming for assistance. Both Sterner, age 56, and Rev. David Dingwall, age 51, lost their lives in the fire.

The incident occurred at 9:25AM Wednesday morning when Sterner ran into the building on fire. Authorities are not sure if his actions were intentional. Nevertheless, the woman who met him at the door had her clothing immediately catch fire as the flames from Sterner set the rectory ablaze. Witnesses said that Rev. Dingwall had actually managed to escape when he made the fateful decision to return to the burning building to recover a computer. His body was found face down on the second floor. He was unable to be revived.

“It’s quite a unique incident,” said Jessica Waters, an Ocean City spokeswoman. “There are still pieces we don’t know.”

The flames had spread into the church’s sanctuary but did not cause too much damage before firefighters were able to extinguish it. Rev. Dingwall had been married and is survived by three children. He is known for his good humor, intelligence, and a good heart which blessed the community.

“It’s quite a unique incident,” said Jessica Waters, an Ocean City spokeswoman. “There are still pieces we don’t know.”

“I am heartbroken,” church organist Shirley Hailey said. “I am sick.”

At this time, the details of the account are unconfirmed.

On The Web:
Man on fire enters Ocean City church, sparking blaze that killed rector
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/man-on-fire-enters-ocean-city-church-sparking-blaze-that-killed-rector/2013/11/27/a96198da-5795-11e3-ba82-16ed03681809_story.html