Christmas fire destroys church

On Christmas night around 6:00pm the Rochester Fire Department responded to a report of a fire at the Seventh-day Adventist Church located on Jefferson Avenue. When firefighters arrived on scene, they found heavy smoke and flames showing from the church.

Within 3 minutes of the first firefighters arriving on scene a second alarm was called. Shortly after, a third alarm was called.

The Rochester Fire Department had 9 fire engines on scene, 5 fire trucks on scene, and 1 rescue unit. The Rochester Fire Department also reached out to Ridge Road Fire District and Gates Fire District to assist with fighting the fire.

The fire was eventually extinguished, but not after the church suffered catastrophic damage.

The Church dates back to 1870 when it was an Episcopal Church. The church was known for its gothic design. In 1960 the church was bought by the Seventh-day Adventist congregation. The church housed the oldest pipe organ in the city and could be heard by local residents.

The church suffered extensive damage with part of its roof collapsing.

Rochester Fire Department is investigating the cause of the fire.

Stay with GSL Show for updates.