Old Church UMC, part of the Middlesex Charge on the York River District, suffered major fire damage to its education and fellowship hall building, and breezeway early Thursday, Sept. 3. The Historic Old Church Sanctuary was heavily damaged by smoke.
A citizen passing by in the early hours of Thursday morning contacted the Sheriff’s office to report the fire. Six fire departments, Lower King and Queen, Central King and Queen, Urbanna, Walkerton, Waterview and Gloucester, along with the County EMS responded.
The Rev. Tim Earnhardt, pastor of the Middlesex Charge, said, “They are to be commended for their work in saving the Sanctuary. On Sunday, Sept. 6, the church met under their Pavilion for a gathering and Holy Communion. Initial plans are to continue to hold in-person worship services under the church Pavilion until the Trustees can secure another location for services. We appreciate your prayers during this trying time.”
