An historic church in Tay Township has been destroyed by fire.
Ebenezer United Church burned to the ground early Monday, resulting in a material loss of about $500,000, but, perhaps, more importantly a deep spiritual loss for many.
"We arrived on scene to a fully involved structure fire and started a defensive attack to begin with," Tay Township fire chief Shawn Aymer told CTV, adding the fire is not considered suspicious.
"Unfortunately, in the end, we had to bring in an excavator to make it safe for our crews to do final extinguishment."
The church, which was built roughly 135 years ago, had served as an important meeting place in this rural area nestled between Wyebridge and Waverley.
Local residents enjoyed getting together for regular Sunday services as well as special events throughout the year. The church served as a place to celebrate baptisms and weddings and honour those who had passed along during funerals.
“So very sad,” local resident Mike Tinney recalled on Facebook. “This little church meant so much to so many families for generations.
“It was also a landmark for so many years. Condolences to all who are feeling this loss.”
Added Bob Richardson: “So much history and family ties going back 135 years, even today so many impacted by the destruction of this iconic church.”
