Jul 3, 2009 8:54 am US/Eastern
Church Steeple Unsteady, Crews Block Area Streets
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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Baltimore Fire officials are blaming lightning for a two-alarm fire that damaged a city church and its steeple.
CBS
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Firefighters battle church fire. Picture from Damion Olds.
CBS
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The church is one of Baltimore City's oldest churches. Picture from Damion Olds.
CBS
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Heavy smoke was coming from the steeple.
CBS
Lightning may be the cause of a church fire in West Baltimore.
One of the city's oldest congregations was dealt a blow. A church steeple was struck by lightning and the bell tower caught fire. Bad weather damaged West Baltimore's Bethel AME Church.
Gigi Barnett reports an hour before midnight West Baltimore neighbors heard thunder and seconds later they saw smoke and fire.
Firefighters battled the blaze that ripped into the steeple and bell tower at Bethel A.M.E. Church on Druid Hill Avenue.
The church is the city's oldest African-American church.
"It's been here so long. And, I know a number of people who fellowship at the church. So, first reaction was 'wow, the church is on fire,'" said Damion Olds, neighbor.
Early investigation results show a cause.
"It's believed that the fire was ignited as a result of a lightning strike," said Kevin Cartwright, Baltimore City Fire Department.
By Thursday morning, city workers cleared the debris. The roads and alleys around the church are blocked off. Officials worry about the unstable steeple.
Firefighters fear it will collapse, causing a greater danger to neighbors and drivers.
"We thank that what could have been a major tragedy, that by your grace and goodness, no life was lost," said Dr. Frank Reid, Bethel A.M.E. pastor.
The church's pastor, Dr. Frank Reid, gathered outside the church with members. One of the members is Baltimore City Mayor Sheila Dixon.
Dr. Reid recommends prayer and thanksgiving, the main section of the building was not damaged by fire, water or smoke.
"The sanctuary is almost untouched by smoke damage or anything. What could have been a major tragedy is really just a change and we are going to see this as a change," said Reid.
The next step now is planning for Sunday's services.
"We would love to have Bethel host a worship service on Sunday, but there are a few preliminary issues that need to be addressed before that can actually take place," said Cartwright.
The church now says their plans are to hold Sunday services at Pier Six.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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