LIBERTYTOWN, Md. (AP) -- A fire on Thursday destroyed the steeple of Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in the Frederick County community of Libertytown.
More than 100 fire fighters from three counties fought the fire, which was brought under control by mid-afternoon.
Eyewitness Corrine Mc-Williams said brick around the steeple of the nearly 100-year-old church also collapsed.
A church volunteer, Beverly Dean, said parishioners refer to the building as ``the old church.'' She said services are sometimes held in a newer building across the road.
The state Fire Marshal's office reported late Thursday that the blaze was caused by accidental overheating of roofing materials.
There was construction work under way at the building at the time of the fire. While replacing the roof of the church, heating devices used to shape metal flashing ignited, the fire marshal said.
