Community Corner
Leicester Church Welcomes Spencer Congregation Devastated By Fire
A historic church in Spencer was destroyed in a fire last week. Days later, its sister church in Leicester welcomed the congregation.
LEICESTER, MA — Days after a fire destroyed a church in Spencer, its sister church in Leicester is welcoming the congregation into their building. The two churches have been alternating Sunday services since February, according to Boston 25 News.
"Today our 10:00 AM worship service will be at the First Congregational Church of Leicester, located at 1 Washburn Square, Leicester," First Congregational Church in Spencer posted on Facebook. "Together, we can worship, connect & grieve with our Leicester friends."
Spencer Fire Chief Bob Parsons said lightning struck the First Congregational Church on Friday afternoon, leading to a massive fire that destroyed the historic building. Cleanup is expected to take a while due to asbestos among the debris.
Rev. Bruce McLeod told Boston 25 News that the congregation includes 30 members.
The church stood for 280 years on Main Street in Spencer. Investigators believe the blaze that ripped through the church started in the steeple due to the lightning strike, CBS News Boston reported.
Firefighters pulled back before the steeple collapsed.
Spencer Fire & Emergency Services wrote in a Facebook post: "This was a monumental task that was out of control within minutes of the fire alarm call. We’re glad there were no injuries or truck damage. We lost some equipment but that can be replaced. We feel for the Church Community for the loss of their place of worship."
