UPDATE: Fire Destroys Historic Newberry County Church

Updated, 11:27 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 10

The fire at St. Paul Lutheran Church is under control.

The Newberry County Sheriff's Office, SLED and ATF are investigating the fire that has destroyed the historic church.

Law enforcement officials said SC 773 remains partially closed.

Original report

Fire crews from Newberry and Lexington counties are working to extinguish a fire at the historic St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pomaria.

Authorities were notified around 6:30 a.m. of smoke and flames coming from the church located on SC Highway 773 near Interstate 26.

Firefighters arrived and found the majority of the church engulfed in flames, according to the Newberry County Sheriff's Office. 

The church was organized in 1761, according to its website.

The land where the church stands was said to be an original land grant of sixty-eight acres from King George III of England.