First Congregational Church (Spencer, Massachusetts)

The First Congregational Church was a historic church building in Spencer, Massachusetts.[1] The church originates from the mid-1700s.[2] The church designed by architect Elbridge Boyden was destroyed by a fire in 1862 but was rebuilt a year later.[3] The church was expanded in the 1960s.[4] On June 2, 2023, a lightning strike caused another fire which completely destroyed the church.[5] The congregation dates to 1743.[6] In August 2025, construction of a new church commenced on the site.[7] The weather vane from the old church will be incorporated into the new building.[8]

References

  1. ^ Hilliard, John (June 4, 2023). "'I don't think God made the fire': Parishioners mourn loss of historic Spencer church in Sunday service - The Boston Globe". Boston Globe. Retrieved 2023-06-06.
  2. ^ "'I don't think God made the fire': Parishioners mourn loss of historic Spencer church in Sunday service - The Boston Globe". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
  3. ^ "'Total devastation': Spencer congregation mourns loss of church in fire". CBS News. 2023-06-03. Retrieved 2023-06-06.
  4. ^ Staff, A. O. L. (2024-06-13). "A year after it burned following lightning stike, Spencer church maps plan to rebuild". www.aol.com. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
  5. ^ Kittle, Glenn; O'Connor, Samantha (June 5, 2023). "Communities rally to help Amherst farm, Spencer church destroyed by lightning fires". Western Mass News.
  6. ^ "Flames swallow First Congregational Church in Spencer". Yahoo Entertainment. 2023-06-02. Retrieved 2023-06-06.
  7. ^ County, Meghan Parsons Worcester. "Construction begins on the site of historic Spencer church ruined by 2023 fire". spectrumnews1.com. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
  8. ^ Semon, Craig S. "Members of Spencer church destroyed by fire look to rebuild. Here's what we know". The Worcester Telegram & Gazette. Retrieved 2025-11-19.

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42°14′47″N 71°59′21″W / 42.24643°N 71.98906°W / 42.24643; -71.98906


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