Civil War-Style Chapel Destroyed in Pa. Blaze

Fire broke out in the 100 block of Chambersburg Street in Gettysburg at 3:38 Friday morning, destroying a Civil War chapel that has drawn a lot of ire. Three other nearby buildings sustained significant damage.

The U.S. Christian Commission operated the chapel in the second block of Chambersburg Street. The wooden structure was built without proper permits, according to officials, and the borough recently issued an order to vacate.

Also damaged in the fire was the Ragged Edge Coffee shop next to the chapel, and a residence on the west side of the chapel site. A fourth building, housing residents of the Adams Rescue Mission, was significantly damaged, forcing six families to relocate.

At least 17 fire companies responded and the fire was brought under control at about 5:30 a.m. Units from Adams, Franklin, Cumberland, York, and Frederick (Maryland) responded.

Republished with permission of The Gettysburg Times.