MINOT — A bolt of lightning from a violent thunderstorm Saturday afternoon struck the steeple of the former Minot Center Congregational Church, now called the Center Minot Hill Church at Center Minot Hill Road and Jackson Hill Road.

The church is owned and maintained by the Minot Historical Society. According to Treasurer Jeanne Letourneau, the roof was recently replaced and escaped any major damage, but the steeple sustained major damage. The steeple was repaired and repainted last year.

“The electrical system may have sustained damage. We have seen some blackened wires. The electricity has been turned off and we have someone coming over tomorrow to take a look at it.” Letourneau said.

Fortunately, the historic Meneely bell, cast in 1852 and hung in 1853, did not receive any damage, although the bell tower that houses it took heavy damage. The bell is still rung by hand, including during the last service of the year, Aug. 31.

The Minot Fire Department has an antenna and communication equipment at the church. According to fire Chief Corey Nugent, they have yet to determine if there is any extensive damage to the systems.

“With the power turned off to the building, we have yet to completely access the damage to our primary repeater there. We have been working to find alternative means of outgoing communications and have arranged to work with the Mechanic Falls Fire Department,” Nugent said.

The church has no insurance due to its historical nature and the limited resources of the historical society.

“We just had everything rewired a few years ago and hope there is no major damage to that,” Letourneau said. “We are getting estimates to repair the damage, but it will be far beyond our means, but there have already been community members who have pledged to help fund the repairs. We will be planning a fundraiser to help raise whatever is needed to make permanent repairs.”