Cause Of Fire That Destroyed 150-Year-Old LI Church Determined

CENTRAL ISLIP, NY — An electrical fire was determined the cause of a blaze that destroyed a 150-year-old Central Islip church on Sunday, according to investigators.

The Episcopal Diocese of Long Island announced the follow-up report on Wednesday, confirming the source of the fire at Episcopal Church of the Messiah, located at 53 Carleton Ave.

The flames broke out in the interior of the historic church in the early morning, and the building sustained "catastrophic damage from fire, heat, and water", the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island said on social media.

Fr. Juan Reyes, priest-in-charge, and warden Sandra Townsend, helped direct the removal of any objects that were salvageable.

For the immediate future, the congregation will worship on Sundays in the parish hall, which was not affected by the fire, the diocese website said.

Denise Fillion director of communication for the diocese, told Patch that while it's unclear how long repairs will take, they will find a temporary place for the congregation to worship.

"It's devastating, it's painful," said Fillion. "It's hard to see a beloved building be destroyed by fire like that."

The diocese also said that neighboring Episcopal parishes and those from other denominations have generously offered space for worship and other assistance.

“We are profoundly grateful for the prayers and offers of support from the neighboring community and across the diocese. We are grateful to the Central Islip Fire Department for its quick response," said Rt. Rev. Lawrence C. Provenzano, Bishop of Long Island. "To lose a historic church building is always painful to witness. In time, with God’s help, we will rebuild the worship space we lost. Please continue to pray for all those affected.”