By Matt McGrath, Jim Norman and Abbott Koloff, North Jersey.com.
The sanctuary of the iconic First Presbyterian Church on East Palisade Avenue, which was established in the 19th century, was destroyed by a multiple-alarm blaze just days before Easter Sunday.
Members are working to determine where Easter services will be held, the church web site said.
“The church is people, not buildings,” the website said. “We worship Jesus Christ who was raised from the dead, and his church will not be deterred. The Easter message of Resurrection should have special meaning for us this year.”
On Wednesday morning, a single firetruck remained at the church with a hose running through the main entrance. A huge section of the church’s roof has caved in and the steeple is seriously damaged. Several stained glass windows were broken, though the brick structure appears largely intact.
No one was reported injured in the fire, Englewood Deputy Fire Chief Erik Enersen said.
First Presbyterian Church in Englewood, N.J. is a member of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Article from the Presbyterian News Service: Historic New Jersey Presbyterian Church heavily damaged by fire