UPDATE: A devastating fire has left a nondenominational church in Bangor severely damaged and officially condemned as authorities investigate its cause. The blaze erupted Wednesday morning at 125 S. Main St., prompting swift action from local fire crews and officials.
Borough Manager Stephen Reider confirmed Thursday that a “condemned” sign has been prominently placed at the front of the church, owned by Gethsemane Ministries and leased by Lighthouse Ministries. Reider stated, “It is still very fresh. I haven’t been made aware of anything new,” emphasizing the ongoing investigation.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and there were no occupants in the building when the fire ignited. Initial reports from social media showed dramatic images of flames and thick smoke billowing from the church roof, visible for miles around. Firefighters used a tower ladder to combat the raging flames.
Traffic on South Main Street, also known as Route 191, was detoured as emergency responders battled the fire for several hours. Dozens of first responders from across Northampton County rushed to the scene, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The Liberty Fire Company 2 thanked Council members Marissa Donnelly and Marc Sperling for their assistance in providing food and water to the crews.
The historic church, built in the early 1900s, has a rich past; it was formerly owned by Salem Evangelical Church before being sold to Gethsemane Ministries in 2000, as confirmed by Northampton County property records.
As officials work diligently to uncover the cause of this tragic event, residents and community members are left to grapple with the loss of a significant religious structure. The investigation remains ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Stay tuned for further developments on this breaking story.
