Expressions of loss and sadness reverberated through the Tamaqua area Sunday when residents awoke to learn of a pre-midnight fire on Saturday that tore through a former church building on the main street.

No injuries were reported when flames and heavy smoke filled the former First Presbyterian Church building at 224 W. Broad St., drawing responders from Schuylkill and Carbon counties to battle a stubborn blaze inside the cavernous structure built in 1852.

A state police fire marshal is due on scene Monday to begin sifting through charred remains to determine a cause.

Tom Hartz Jr., former Tamaqua fire chief and current safety officer at Citizens Fire Company, said damage is substantial.

"There was a collapse in the back left corner with the upper floor falling down to the lower level."

Firefighters remained on scene into Sunday morning, he said, because of continuing danger.

"There was a bit of a rekindle."

Fighting the fire proved challenging due to thick concrete walls of a structure built in the fashion of a fortress. Several large and historic stained glass windows had to be broken to ventilate the building.

However, a large and celebrated "Lamb of God" stained glass window located in the narthex and visible at the front of the building appears to have escaped destruction. The valuable window is believed by some to be an original creation of Louis Comfort Tiffany.   

Hartz said hot, muggy conditions challenged responders. Firefighters relied heavily on water supplies offered by the Tamaqua Salvation Army and Turkey Hill Minit Market, among other places.

"The weather was against us. We want to thank everyone who came out on mutual aid. I never saw so much fire apparatus lining Broad Street," Hartz said.

The church was one of the town's leading houses of worship for 155 years until closing on June 3, 2007, after which it became an art studio, gallery and home to internationally recognized portrait artist Stephen Bennett and Faces of the World, Inc.  

"My husband and I lived in the house next to the church which was at one time known as the church parsonage before we moved to Port Carbon. Sad loss," said Tamaqua native Beth Transue Goodman

"So sad," said Amy Behler of East Broad Street. "The stained glass windows were beautiful, glad the main one was saved. We could smell the smoke on this end of town."

Many commented noted their family connections.

"My dad played the organ at that church for over 20 years and my mom was the choir director for much of that time. Many good memories," said Tamaqua native Wendell Paisley of Lancaster.

Bennett is reportedly out of the country and was unavailable for comment.  

It's unclear if the loss is covered by insurance or what the future might hold for the property.

Caption of aftermath: Fire officials keep an eye on the former First Presbyterian Church building in Tamaqua early Sunday after a fire late Saturday heavily damaged the historic structure. DONALD R. SERFASS/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS

Caption of submitted fire: Firefighters use aerial ladders just before midnight Saturday to reach the upper level of the former First Presbyterian Church building in Tamaqua. TOM HARTZ JR./SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS