127-Year-Old Church Youth Center Destroyed On Long Island

BOHEMIA, NY (CBSNewYork) - An historic structure on Long Island was destroyed by fire Tuesday.

WCBS 880's Sophia Hall On The Story

Congregant and youth ministry member Amanda Grimaldi had tears in her eyes as she watched the St. John's Church youth center in Bohemia burn, WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported.

"It's like our second home. We came here two times every Wednesday and Friday for the youth ministry. It's completely destroyed. There's nothing left. All our memories," she told Hall. "It's just years and years of kids coming and going and I got to watch them grow up and now they don't have anything left."

"I'm devastated about this. We were in from 7th to 12th grade and now we helped run it. So, we were here every Friday night and Wednesday night helping the kids. So, it just really hurts to see this," said congregant Andrew O'Rourke.

Although the building has been used as the youth center for decades, it was originally the main church for this congregation, built 127 years ago.

Fire chief Michael Stankulis has been attending the parish for years. "We attended this church. My kids have attended this church. It's kinda sad," he said.

He said the fire does not appear to be suspicious.

The main church was not damaged by the blaze.

Do you have any memories from the congregation? Share them in the comments section below!