Palin’s church meets at school

Members of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s church gathered in high spirits at a middle school, two days after their building was badly damaged by a fire that authorities are investigating as arson.

Palin, the former Republican vice presidential candidate, did not attend services at Wasilla Bible Church because she was in Juneau preparing to propose a state budget, said her spokesman, Bill McAllister.

Pastor John Doak told the group of about 1,200 people gathered at Wasilla Middle School: “The church is still there. We are the church.”

Damage to the 2 1/2-year-old church building is estimated at $1 million. The blaze was set at the main entrance Friday night while a small group, including two children, was inside. No one was injured. Fire Chief James Steele said the blaze was being investigated as an arson.

Palin stopped by Saturday. According to McAllister, Palin told an assistant pastor she was sorry if the fire was connected to the attention the church has received since her vice presidential candidacy.