Century-old church damaged in summer storms

BOSTON -- Severe winds, hail, and lightning ripped through the region Saturday.

A lightning bolt struck the 100-year-old belfry at St. Patrick's church in Stoneham. Neighbors were at a block party behind and a service inside.

"A lot of the kids started crying," said a woman on the scene.

Janice Ackerman was washing dishes in North Chelmsford when a tree split by lightning hit her roof.

Inspectors went into the Stoneham church bell tower afterwards to ensure its stability. Sunday-morning services have been cancelled.

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