United States (Massachusetts) - Lightning has struck a historic eastern Massachusetts church, damaging its roof and destroying its steeple. The Medway Community Church was hit by a lightning bolt Thursday morning as fierce thunderstorms rolled through the region. Flames engulfed the steeple and charred the roof. No injuries have been reported.

Firefighters say they saved the rest of the church, which dates to 1814.

Associate pastor Carl Schultz promises Sunday worship services will be held inside the church or on its front lawn.

The church offers Sunday school Christian education and choir programs for children and adults in Medway, a town of about 13,000 residents an hour's drive southwest of Boston.

Lightning also is being blamed for a house fire in nearby Hopkinton.

Written by Associated Press