Historic Massachusetts church ravaged by intense fire
A historic Massachusetts church that dates back to the 18th century became engulfed in flames on Friday, the New York Post reports.
Fire crews rushed to the First Congregational Church in Spencer, Mass. — about 50 miles outside of Boston — after reports flooded in at around 3 p.m. that the church’s steeple caught on fire following a storm, according to 7 News Boston.
Flames burst out the sides of the ancient church’s steeple and quickly spread to its ground floor before the raging fire ultimately overcame it.
Authorities revealed that no one was injured during the blaze and that the church was empty when the fire broke out.
Fire officials told the outlet they believe lightning struck the religious establishment.
Rev. Bruce MacLeod, the church’s Interim Pastor, said the building was constructed using wood and other materials going back as far as the 1800s, which could be why it caught fire and burned to the ground as quickly as it didn’t, told Boston 25.
The Pastor of the Protestant church, whose congregation is around 30 people, revealed that it’s too early to know if the church can be rebuilt.
Firefighters put up a collapse zone around the church during the blaze and are expected to pull down what was left of the building’s front walls, according to Normandin.
Investigators have not yet determined if the remainder of the burnt and hollowed church must be completely torn down.