Fire destroys historic Grace United Brethren Church in Sherkston

The Ontario Fire Marshal has been called to investigate an overnight fire at an historic church near Port Colborne.

An off-duty fire fighter was first on scene around 3 a.m. Tuesday.

The fire started in the basement of the church, located on Empire Rd. near Sherkston Rd., and quickly spread to the whole structure.

Tanker trucks were brought in from Fort Erie, Welland and Niagara Falls to shuttle water.

123 year old church in Port Colborne burned down early this morning. Many from Grace United Brethren here on site sharing hugs. Pastor Steven Brown says the church is the people, not the building. @morninglive @CHCHNews #niagara pic.twitter.com/Pc3PLmUMnd

— Sylvie Lendvay (@sylvie_lendvay) December 8, 2020

The building, which was built in 1897, has been destroyed. Fire officials say the damage is estimated at $1.5 million, but say it could be higher depending on what was inside.