LEICESTER, Mass. — A church in Leicester is welcoming their sister church’s congregation from Spencer just two days after a fire destroyed their building.
The churches in Leicester and Spencer have been alternating where Sunday services are since February.
Spencer Fire Chief Bob Parsons said lightning struck the steeple of the First Congregational Church of Spencer Friday afternoon, sparking a massive fire that consumed the historic building in about half an hour.
“Today, our 10:00 AM worship service will be at the First Congregational Church of Leicester,” the church wrote on its Facebook page Sunday morning. “Together, we can worship, connect & grieve with our Leicester friends.”
Rev. Bruce McLeod told Boston 25 News the congregation is made up of about 30 active members.
He is the interim pastor of both the Spencer and Leicester congregational churches and will be there to welcome his congregation from Spencer Sunday morning for the first time since the fire.
Meanwhile, Chief Parsons said cleanup in Spencer could take some time, as he suspects there is asbestos among the debris which will need to be handled carefully.
The church was established in 1743, but the original building was destroyed in a fire and rebuilt in 1862.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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