BREAKING: A major fire has left a nondenominational church in Bangor, Pennsylvania severely damaged, prompting officials to condemn the building as investigations continue. Borough Manager Stephen Reider confirmed that a “condemned” sign was posted at the front of the church located at 125 S. Main St. following the blaze that erupted early Wednesday morning.
“It is still very fresh,” Reider stated during an update on Thursday. “I haven’t been made aware of anything new.” Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, as the church was unoccupied when the fire ignited.
Initial reports reveal that flames and smoke were dramatically visible from the roof, with the smoke plume seen for miles around. Fire crews from Liberty Fire Company 2 and numerous first responders from throughout Northampton County battled the fire for hours, utilizing a tower ladder to combat the intense flames.
Traffic was significantly disrupted as detours were put in place around South Main Street, also known as Route 191, while firefighters worked tirelessly to control the situation. Social media posts highlighted the scale of the flames, with videos capturing the fire’s ferocity.
Both Gethsemane Ministries, the church’s owner, and Lighthouse Ministries, which leases the space, have yet to provide official comments. The historic church, built in the early 1900s, previously belonged to Salem Evangelical Church before being sold to Gethsemane in 2000, as confirmed by Northampton County property records.
“Dozens of first responders participated in the efforts,” stated Liberty Fire Company on their social media page, adding gratitude to Council members Marissa Donnelly and Marc Sperling for their support in providing food and water during the emergency.
This incident raises significant concerns about fire safety and the future of the church as investigations aim to uncover the cause of the blaze. Local officials are expected to provide further updates as the situation develops.
Residents and community members are encouraged to stay tuned for more information as the investigation unfolds and authorities work to ensure safety in the area.
