Published: December 14, 2008 11:57 pm      

Fire damages Coney church

LONACONING — Fire broke out late Sunday in the First Presbyterian Church in Lonaconing.

First-arriving volunteer firefighters encountered heavy smoke coming from the front door and side window of the church, located on Main Street.

There were no services at the time the fire was reported to the Allegany County 911 Joint Communications Division at about 8:50 p.m.

Initial reports from the scene indicated the fire was contained to the pulpit area of the church.

The fire was extinguished shortly after crews arrived and smoke was being cleared from the structure just after 9 p.m.

The church’s pastor, the Rev. Tom Morgan, also a Good Will volunteer firefighter, was reportedly taking part in the firefighting operation.

In July 2000, the church’s steeple was struck by lightning and was destroyed.

In addition to Good Will firefighters, units from Barton, Midland, Westernport and Frostburg also responded along with Georges Creek ambulance.

Further details were not available.