Historic Church On King Street In Dennysville Hit By Arson

Maine's top fire investigators say a fire that broke out at an historic Washington County Church was intentionally set.

According to the Maine State Fire Marshal's Office, the fire broke out at the Dennysville Edmunds Congregational Church Monday morning.

Quick work by the Dennysville Fire Department limited the damage primarily to the exterior of the building, sources say.

But officials now think someone tried to set the almost 200-year-old church building on fire, on purpose.

"The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office has determined that the fire at the Dennysville Edmunds Congregational Church is arson."

According to the statement from the Maine Department of Public Safety, authorities are asking the public for any leads or information about who may have started the blaze, or if anyone saw any unusual activity in the area of the building, on King Street, Monday before 8 AM.
Read More: Maine Fire Marshal Charges a Man With Arson for Readfield Fire

Community members have been sharing comments on how important this landmark church has been to the residents of Dennysville, many pointing to the response, not just by firefighters Monday morning, but by many citizens wanting to help ensure the structure survived as a gathering place for future generations as well.

As one wrote very eloquently in a post online, this building has witnessed the important events, the baptisms, weddings, and funerals, the holiday celebrations of community members dating back to when the church was raised back in 1834. The folks in Dennysville are relieved it's still standing.

"Perhaps second only to the Lincoln House, and honestly perhaps not second, that building landmarks this community, and it is one that this entire community would die to save. If you look at the pictures from this morning, you will see not just countless fire trucks, but personal vehicles too… it was “the church”; it was all hands on deck. Young, old, current and retired department members, from Dennysville, not from Dennysville, all volunteer, all there…."

Anyone with details relating to the fire at the church is encouraged to call the State Fire Marshal's Office. Their number is (207) 973-3700.