Shortly before 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 18, firefighters in Central Islip received a call to reports of a fire at the Messianic Anglican Church on Carlton Avenue.
Crews from multiple agencies spent nearly two hours on the scene, according to the Islip Fire Department. Firefighters had to force open multiple doors to get in and at one point cut a vent in the roof.
No one was inside at the time and there were no reports of injuries.
“The building suffered catastrophic damage from fire, heat and water,” the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island said. Facebook.
Investigators are expected to take several days to determine the cause of the fire.
Hours after the incident, Rt. The Rev. Lawrence Provenzano, Bishop of Long Island, gathered on the lawn to pray with his congregation, “to remind them that they are the church and that this building can be replaced,” the Episcopal Diocese said.
“He then outlined the next steps that would be taken to support them through this tragedy.”
The diocese continues to thank the Central Islip Fire Department for their efforts to save the historic building.
“Please pray for the parishioners of the Church of the Messiah as they mourn the loss of their 150-year-old church building.”
Click here Follow Daily Voice Nassau and receive free news updates.
