ADA, Ohio -- The fire that destroyed a historic church in Ada likely started with an unattended candle igniting combustible materials, according to the state fire marshal's office.
The state fire marshal found no evidence of criminal intent in Tuesday's blaze at First United Methodist Church, according to a press release from Shane Cartmill of the fire marshal's office. Investigators determined the fire started in the eastern portion of the church. Still, the fire's cause will officially be ruled as undetermined, since investigators couldn't complete their examination due to safety concerns with the structure of the church.
Bob McCurdy, a church trustee acting as a spokesman for the church, said the 1899 church at the corner of Main Street and Highland Avenue will likely have to be demolished. He said the church expected to return to that location, although exact plans are still unknown.
Officials from the state fire marshal's office and insurance companies remain at the scene, assessing the situation. Main Street in Ada, which is also state Route 235, remains closed in front of the burned-out church.
The congregation isn't without a home, though. McCurdy said Ohio Northern University offered its English Chapel as a home from this point onward, including normal Sunday worship services and Sunday school. The university is also providing technical support and office space for the church.
The day care operating out of the church is cancelled until further notice, though.
Copyright 2012 - The Lima News, Ohio
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
