High Winds Topple Church Steeple In Greenport

GREENPORT, NY — High winds during Thursday night's storm toppled a church steeple in Greenport.

According to Greenport Village Mayor George Hubbard, the call about the toppled steeple at the First Baptist Church on Main Street came in about 3:30 a.m. A 67 mph wind gust was recorded on Great Gull Island off the North Fork at 3:26 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Hubbard said the church's roof does not appear to have structural damage and the steeple seems to be intact.

The village also saw some garbage recycling cans and umbrellas blown around — and a pole snapped at the corner of Main Street and Monsell Place, Hubbard said.

Thomas LaMothe, pastor of the church for more than 30 years, reflected on the steeple Friday and thanked, with great appreciation, a team who rushed to the scene and moved the steeple to the church's parking lot.

Those involved in moving the steeple included the Southold Police Department, Greenport Fire Department, Fred Schoenstein of North Fork Welding and Colin Ratsey of Ratsey Construction.

"Above all, I thank God that no one was hurt. Stuff can be fixed or replaced. All's well that ends well," he said.

Lead photos courtesy Pastor Thomas LaMothe.