Fire Destroys Historical Connecticut Church In Eastford

EASTFORD, CT — A piece of Connecticut history burned to the ground early Sunday morning.

Firefighters responded around 3:30 a.m. to a blaze at Eastford Congregational Church, Eastford Independent Fire Co. No. 1 said in a Facebook post. The church was built in 1829, according to the Northeastern CT Chamber of Commerce.

Emergency personnel found heavy flames throughout the building, and, although multiple agencies rushed to assist, crews encountered obstacles during the firefighting process and the structure was a complete loss, according to the fire company.

“The church burned down early this morning,” the Rev. Michael Moran said shortly after 6 a.m. Sunday in a post on Eastford Congregational’s Facebook page. “I only found out about 20 minutes ago, so no time to react yet other than to say that God is good, He is doing something good, and the church is not a building — it is all of us — His precious saints.”

The congregation met Sunday morning as usual for prayer and worship, but this weekend the service was at Eastford Elementary School.

Church member Calvin York started a GoFundMe to support Eastford Congregational. The effort had raised about $1,700 as of early Sunday evening.

“My family has been members of this church since I can remember and I am starting this fundraiser to make a donation to Pastor Mike for anything he may need,” York said on the GoFundMe.