By Associated Press - Friday, December 25, 2020

LEVITTOWN, N.Y. (AP) - The leaders of a Lutheran church on Long Island say they intend to rebuild after a Christmas morning fire badly damaged the historic building.

Newsday reports the blaze broke out about 11 a.m. Friday at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Levittown.

The fire was contained to the roof and attic, fire officials said, but caused extensive water and smoke damage to the 70-year-old structure.

Parishioners flocked to the church and expressed relief that the church had not held a Christmas Day service. The church, which serves about 250 families, did hold a Christmas Eve service.

“It could have been yesterday when we were here,” said Wendy Lantigua, a special events coordinator at the church.

“We will absolutely rebuild,” she said. “It’s going to take some time because we are self-funded, but we will do it.”

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