Lightning strikes Salem church steeple

CARNEY'S POINT, N.J. - July 23, 2008 (WPVI) -- The lighting that came along with the early batch of storms also left a Salem County church without its steeple.

The steeple on the First Assembly of God Church in Carney's Point was struck by lightning during overnight storms. The damage was confined to the steeple thanks to an early 911 call.

It was about 2:15 a.m. when Josh Ligatti parked his car after picking up his brother from work and spotted the smoke about a quarter mile away.

The call came in at 2:18 a.m. A cell phone photo shows a ball of flame coming from the steeple. Four fire companies responded, but volunteers from Carney's Point were on the scene in moments.

The First Assembly of God Church on Georgetown Road in Carney's Point was built in 1949 and has about 200 members.

Senior Pastor Keith Holt believes it was a touch of divine intervention working through the keen eye of Josh Ligatti and the volunteer firefighters quick work that saved his church.

Despite the work of Mother Nature, the pastor says there's much to be thankful for. The fire will not interrupt services and, in fact, there is a bible study class going on as scheduled.

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