Bangor Church Condemned After Devastating Fire; Investigation Ongoing

UPDATE: A devastating fire has severely damaged a nondenominational church in Bangor, leading officials to condemn the building as investigations unfold. The blaze erupted early Wednesday morning at the church located at 125 S. Main St., prompting immediate action from local authorities.

Borough Manager Stephen Reider confirmed on Thursday that a “condemned” sign has been placed outside the church as officials work to determine the cause of the fire. “It is still very fresh,” Reider stated, adding that he has not received any updates regarding the investigation. Fortunately, there were no injuries, as no one was inside the church at the time of the fire.

Initial reports indicate that flames and thick smoke were visible for miles, with social media footage showing dramatic scenes of the church engulfed in fire. Fire crews utilized a tower ladder to combat the flames, which had spread rapidly, leading to the temporary closure of South Main Street, also known as Route 191. Traffic was diverted for hours as firefighters battled the blaze with support from dozens of first responders across Northampton County.

The church, built in the early 1900s, is owned by Gethsemane Ministries, with Lighthouse Ministries leasing the space. Officials from both congregations were unavailable for immediate comment. The property has a history, having previously belonged to Salem Evangelical Church before its sale to Gethsemane in 2000, according to county records.

In response to the emergency, the Liberty Fire Company 2 expressed gratitude to local council members Marissa Donnelly and Marc Sperling for their assistance, including the provision of food and water to first responders on the scene.

As the investigation continues, residents are urged to stay informed about updates regarding the fire and its aftermath. The community is left grappling with the loss of a historic place of worship, underscoring the emotional impact of this devastating incident.

Stay tuned for further developments as officials work to uncover the details behind this tragic event.