Pastor awaits fire damage report

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.

Firefighters were at the Beloit fire when they received a call at 9:05 p.m. Monday of a fire at property belonging to Scott Sanor, 20532 Mountz Road, in East Rochester in Butler Township.

Chief Willie Brantingham of the Winona Volunteer Fire Department said an old storage building was being cut up for disposal. A cutting torch being used on scrap metal sparked the blaze.

The chief said there was no value because the building was being demolished.

The Knox, Hanover Township, Damascus and Homeworth fire departments also assisted, he said.