Pastor awaits damage estimate at church

BELOIT — Pastor Jeff Davis is waiting for the damage estimates to his church. The roof of Bethel United Church of Christ, 25071 Buck Road, in Knox Township sustained damage Monday when a lighted cross on the outside of the church shorted out.

Chief Edward Reichenbach of the North Georgetown Fire Department said the fire began about 8:15 p.m. Monday. There was damage to the roof along with smoke damage and water in the building that needs to be cleaned up, the pastor said.

The church was started in 1830 and is in its fourth structure. Pastor Davis said the last church burned down on Christmas Day in 1945. The church draws members from Salem and Alliance, he said.