Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1852-01-30
Destruction Of the New Lutheran
Church bY Fire.

Third and Main streets, few doors above
the Gazette office, had It's spire raised
above the cupola, and that it was on the
point of completion. 1t is now, we regret
TO say, heap of smouldering ruins, with
nothing standing save the bare walls to at
test the existence of what was undoubted-
ly by far the most imposing structure for
religious worship ever erected in Lewis
town.
On Wednesday evening, few minutes
after ten o'clock the alarm of fire was
sounded by young lad-who we believe
first discovered it, and such of our citizens
as had not retired, at once repaired TO the
spot. 1t was then confined to the cupola,
near the roof, and might have been extin-
guished with case, but water was wanting,
and before a supply could be obtained, it
had acquired such headway as satisfied all
present that a vigorous effort only, but ac-
companied with much danger, could save
even part of the building. BY this time
the flames had gradually crept upwards,
and in few moments after the entire spire
was liyid sheet of flame, throwing its
broad glare for miles into the adjacent val
leys and mountains. The top at length
gave way, and fortunately fell into the
building, as did the heavy upright timbers
subsequently. All apprehension Of dan
ger having been removed by the falling of
the spire, strenuous efforts were made to
preserve the buildings near the church.
The dwelling of Samuel Rittenhouse was
on fire at one time, but was speedily ex-
tinguished. This building is but a few
yards from the church, and but for the
protection afforded by the walls of the
latter, must inevitably have been DESTROYED
The night was calm, and although many
sparks were carried up North Third street,
lodging on different buildings, no further
damage was sustained. The church con-
tinued to burn until two o'clock, A. NJ.
Some benches and q few other articles
were the only things saved. Many of the
fixtures might have been removed, but q
general impression prevailing that the hose
companies would speedily get the fire un-
der, no effort was made until the fatal want
Of water was discovered-and then il was
too late.
Ii is difficult to conceive what motive
could urge any monster in the shape of man
TO the preparation of an act so liendish,
vet the fact that no fire has ever been used
in that part Of the building, nor in any
other part that could send a spark to the
place where the fire was first discovered,
leaves no alternative but conviction that
it was the work Of 4 heartless incendiary.
The Trustees, we understand, hold a
policy of insurance of $4,000 in the Cum
berland Valley Mutual Insurance Com
pany: and Mr.. Turner, the builder, has
an insurance of $500 in the Franklin
Fire Insurance Company Of Philadelphia,
which, though we believe not fully exccu-
ted, that liberal company will no doubt
pay.
There is also said 10 be quibble in this poll
cy, but if so, We trust the company will not hes
ltate to pay the insurance, as any other course
would not be polite or honorable.
We have taken occasion at different
times to urge upon our citizens the neces-
sity of doing something towards guarding
against the appalling danger to which our
town is subject from Gre-and if such
ediceS as the Lcwistown Mills and Iu-
theran Church cannot be rescued from a de-
youring element, even if discovered at