< Back to front page Text size – +

Lightning strike damages steeple of 190-year-old Medway church

E-mail|Link|Comments () July 2, 2009 03:26 PM

(Steven Dahl)

By Jazmine Ulloa, Globe Correspondent

A Medway church that dates back to 1814 is still standing today after a lightning strike damaged the steeple and engulfed it in flames.

The Medway Community Church was almost destroyed by the Hurricane of 1938 and a lightning strike in 1945; its steeple was blown off in 1882. A church official vowed the congregation would survive this challenge from Mother Nature, too.

"We will be worshiping this Sunday, whether we are in this building or in another or on the front lawn," said Carl Schultz, associate pastor of the church.

Schultz said he pulled into the driveway just as flames began to shoot out from the side windows of the steeple. Within minutes, he said, it was completely engulfed in flames.

The steeple of the large white wooden church was charred and splintered this afternoon. But the damage was not as dire as expected, Schultz said. The building is insured and should be repaired in the coming months.

"It was a blessing the building was spared," he said.

Steven Dahl, who lives near the church, said heard "a huge, white explosion. It shook the whole house."

"It is very sad. … It is one of the most beautiful things about Medway," he said.