Home News Local News Rebuilding effort continues for historic Southold church destroyed by fire in 2015

Rebuilding effort continues for historic Southold church destroyed by fire in 2015

The aftermath of the 2015 fire at First Universalist Church of Southold. SoutholdLOCAL file photo

It has been over two years since the historic First Universalist Church of Southold was destroyed in a fire that consumed not only the building, but its entire contents, including a mural valued at $80,000 and a newly refurbished pipe organ. All that remains of the 178-year-old church is a charred bell and a wooden sign.

Since the March 14, 2015 fire, the church’s congregation has held together despite its loss, worshiping at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Greenport and working on plans for building a new church at the site of the original structure.

In November, 2015, after the congregation voted to rebuild, a team was appointed by then-president of the church’s board of trustees to act on behalf of the congregation and oversee the process.

The building team, which originally consisted of nine members but has since shrunk to six, has been meeting an average of once a week since its inception, said team recording secretary Mark Sisson in a statement.

“We are working with architect Peter Marren and builder Eugene Burger to construct a building that reflects our old building, but looks forward to the mission of the First Universalist Church of Southold as an open and affirming sacred space that welcomes all,” he stated.

The church’s attorney is working with Southold Town on the permit process, he added.

There is presently no estimate for when rebuilding will begin or be completed and no firm estimates of the cost. A representative of the church is still in negotiations with the insurance company, stated Sisson.

The church is planning on holding a fundraiser on Saturday, October 7 at 5 p.m. at Holy Trinity Church on Main Street in Greenport, at which time the team will update the public on its progress.

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Katharine is a writer and photographer who has lived on the North Fork for nearly 40 years, except for three-plus years in Hong Kong a decade ago, working for the actor Jackie Chan. She lives in Cutchogue. Email Katharine