Historic Massachusetts Church Destroyed in Fire Caused by Lightning Strike

The First Congregational Church in Spencer, Massachusetts burned down after being struck by lightning during a thunderstorm.
The church was built in 1743 and was an important landmark and meeting place in the town.
Almost 100 firefighters from 18 departments responded but were unable to save the building.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but officials believe lightning was the likely cause.
The church had previously survived a fire in 1862, but the extent of the damage from this fire is still being determined.