Pastor of Church Destroyed in NYC Explosion Taken Away in Ambulance After Seeing What Was Recovered from Rubble

NEW YORK (TheBlaze/AP) — Workers hauling away debris from the wreckage of a New York City explosion that killed eight people have recovered a Bible that belongs to the Spanish Christian Church, which was located in one of the two destroyed buildings.

The city's public advocate, Letitia James, said the church's pastor, Thomas Perez, suffered heart palpitations when he saw the Bible. Supporters said Perez was transported to a hospital by ambulance as a precaution.

Cassandra Perry, executive director of the 163rd Street Improvement Council, posted a photo on Instagram she said shows the Bible found in the rubble:

Image source: Instagram

About two dozen people met Saturday at the site where workers have been clearing away debris; rescue workers delivered the large smudged, water-damaged Bible to the clergy, who were carrying the the Bible in a solemn procession at the site.

Rubble is seen Friday, March 14, 2014, two days after a natural gas explosion leveled two apartment buildings in New York, Friday, March 14, 2014. (Image source: AP/Julio Cortez)

The Spanish Christian Church owns a lengthy history in Harlem; it celebrated its 80th anniversary last fall. There are about 60 total church members.

James asked for donations for survivors of the blast who no longer have homes.

More via Christianity Today on the Spanish Christian Church and what its members have been going through; and the New York Daily News covers the church that's had an "amazing impact" on the community.

A news report and interview with Carmen Vargas-Rosa, a longtime member of the church, regarding the devastation the congregation has endured due to the explosion:

(H/T: The Huffington Post)