Parishioners were stunned Sunday morning when a steeple collapsed and fell from the roof of a Northeast Philly church.
A small congregation was inside the Burholme Baptist Church at 905 Cottman Ave. around 10 a.m. when they heard the steeple topple to the ground, according to the minister's son.
The wood-framed steeple, approximately 40 to 45 feet in height, either collapsed or was blown over by the wind, according to officials with the city's Department of Licenses and Inspections.
The debris fell into a space between the church and the Dunkin Donuts on the corner of Rising Sun and Cottman. No one was injured, no debris fell on Cottman Avenue and no vehicles were damaged, according to officials.
The church roof was damaged in the accident and an unsafe violation is being written pending review by engineers.
Atkinson Steeplejack Company is currently on site making emergency repairs and evaluating the structure.
The church has been led by Rev. Charles App Jr. for the past 35 years.
