Built in 1810
NEW LONDON, Conn. (AP) — An historic Connecticut church’s soaring steeple and roof collapsed on Thursday, leaving a gaping hole in the top of the building and the front reduced to a heap of rubble. Although a woman was inside, she miraculously was uninjured, authorities say.
The building was shared by the Engaging Heaven and First Congregational churches.
Pastor Bob Nicolls with Engaging Heaven said that: “We are grateful no one was hurt. The building is destroyed. The Church is thriving and strong. We trust in an unshakable God!”
The church in better times
Passero said that there were no signs prior to the collapse that the church was unsafe. No construction work was happening at the time.
“We’re lucky,” Passero said. “The steeple fell back into the church, and we’re lucky that it appears, so far, that no one was in the building.” Passero said the church was “a cherished historic structure.” “This will leave a gaping hole in our downtown.”
Drones flying through the wreckage have not found anyone inside, and heat sensors have not detected anyone at the scene. An urban search and rescue team, along with search dogs, have been sent in to help.
✱ The church Bible is still missing.
