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