Early Morning Fire Destroys 160-Year-Old Carroll County Church
LINEBORO, Md. (WJZ)—Flames from a devastating fire destroy a 160-year-old church in Lineboro, Carroll County.
Monique Griego has more from members of the church.
The church was completely gutted. Right now, firefighters are tossing out all of the debris. But the community is already looking forward, saying they will rebuild.
For the second time in its 160-year history, the Lazarus Church in Lineboro, Md. is gutted by a massive fire.
Community members took pictures as fast-moving flames tore through the building just after 4 a.m. Tuesday.
"You could see flames from the roof for two to three miles coming in," said Tom Becker. "It went quickly."
Becker, a member of the church's Board of Trustees, has been coming to services here for nearly 40 years.
"It's very sad. You just don't think this can happen to you," he said.
Although fire crews arrived within minutes of neighbors calling 911, the building was already engulfed in flames.
It would take 60 firefighters from Carroll, Baltimore and York counties nearly two hours to get the fire under control.
Tuesday morning, community members and church leaders were shocked to see a completely gutted building with only parts of the exterior walls still standing.
"It was gut-wrenching this morning. I was here three months ago for my daughter's graduation, and it just takes your breath away," said Trish Frazier, community member.
"It's hard. A lot of memories, a lot of good memories here," said Lamar Bailey, church member.
Firefighters spent the day sifting through debris, salvaging what little they could.
Damage is already estimated to be $ 1 million, but community members say you can't put a price tag on what this church means to them.
"We'll rebuild. We have that type of community," Becker said.
"We still have each other as a community, and we're going to be fine moving forward. God is still present," Bailey said.
The community is holding a special service 7 p.m. Tuesday at the local firehouse.
Nobody was hurt in the fire. The cause is still under investigation.
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