Fire crews in a central Massachusetts town were responding Friday to a blaze at a centuries-old historic church after the building was struck by lightning during a storm.
The Spencer Fire Department said firefighters responded to the First Congregational Church around 3 p.m. for a report of a fire in the steeple. Flames and smoke could be seen billowing from the ancient Route 9 structure.
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Authorities have not said if there were any injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District said the church building was struck by lightning earlier during a storm.
The church was constructed in 1743 on land donated by a wealthy merchant, according to its website. The town of Spencer wasn’t established until a decade later.
In 1772, a larger church was built on the site. A steeple and bell were added in 1802.
The church was destroyed by a fire in 1862 but was rebuilt, Boston 25 reported.