A severe thunderstorm ripped through Perth Amboy late afternoon on Aug. 17, bringing with it lightning that struck the church steeple of St. Mary Church, Perth Amboy. The damage, which was incurred at around 6:38 p.m., was extensive, sending pieces of the steeple down through the upper and lower portions of the roof.

According to Father Michael P. Scott, pastor, a piece of the chapel weighing about 1,200 pounds plummeted through the roof and landed on the organ, destroying it. A second piece came through another portion of the roof, damaging some pews and the floor as it fell through to the basement. The lightning bolt traveled down the steeple and through the roof before exiting through one of the stained glass windows, which was liquefied.

"Thank God no one was hurt," commented Father Scott. "We are hoping that insurance will cover most of the damages." The total cost of the damage has not yet been estimated.

The church will temporarily be closed until repairs are made. In the meantime, all weekend Masses will be held in the gymnasium across the street from the church; weekday Masses will be held in Emmaus House chapel, also located across the street.