'Irreplaceable Relic': Montco Community Mourns Loss Of Historic Church

POTTSTOWN, PA — The Pottstown community is recovering after a devastating fire last week destroyed its oldest church and one of the area's historical icons.

The blaze occurred at the Transfiguration Lutheran Church, which has stood since 1861, on the corner of N. Hanover Street and Chestnut Street.

No injuries occurred during the powerful fire.

The Pottstown Area History Collective described the structure as an "irreplaceable relic."

Previous coverage: Devastating 3-Alarm Fire Battled At Old Pottstown Church

The blaze began at around 6:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, at the structure now owned by Invictus Ministries.

Three alarms were rung within the first hour, and the blaze eventually built up to five alarms, requiring first responders to marshal resources from throughout the surrounding area.

Hundreds of firefighters descended on the borough to battle back the blaze, and it was brought under control by 9 a.m. Crews then allowed it to continue to burn in order to protect firefighters and nearby structures.

Firefighters were on scene throughout the day and into the night securing the area, and Pottstown Mayor Stephanie Henrick declared a state of emergency in the borough.

The cause of the fire remains unclear and is under active investigation.

"Given the intensity of the fire and the extent of structural loss and debris, the investigation as to cause will take some time," Henrick said. "We ask the public to avoid speculation and allow investigators the time they need to complete their work thoroughly."

Authorities said fighting the blaze presented unique challenges due to the age of the church, the heavy timber roof, and the structure of its steeple and spire, which can cause fires to spread very quickly.

"This could have been so much worse," Henrick added.

Nearby businesses and residents were also impacted by the blaze, and shelters and medications were provided by the Red Cross.