Lightning Strike Sends Sparks Over Church Roof

[PotatoChip]

I thought this video was kind of cool. Especially since the young man who captured the lightening strike had seen the same thing happen to that church steeple on his birthday in 2007.

It made the local paper too... Typical Newsday in Maine.

Grand Isle student captures lightning strike on church steeple
http://bangordailynews.com/2015/05/28/news/aroostook/grand-isle-student-captures-lightning-strike-on-church-steeple/?ref=topStories1

Published on May 28, 2015
On Wednesday, May 27, a church in Grand Isle, Maine was struck by lightning. Footage taken from across the street shows the exact moment that it was hit, as a line of severe thunderstorms moved through the area. Fortunately there have been no reports of injuries, but the roof and wiring of the church were damaged.

ETA different video and description since the other appears to have copyright restrictions.

[SCantiGOP]

1. Ben Franklin

Even though educated people understood hundreds of years ago that lightning had to do with electricity and that it was typically attracted to the highest point in an area, it was not common to put lightning rods on churches until the early 1800's. In some communities churches would be damaged or even burn down every few years from lightning and the congregation attributed that to God's will. Personally, I think I would look for another church if the Lord was striking mine on a regular basis.
Anyway, cool video. I am making my first trip ever to Maine at the end of June and am looking forward to it. That will give me 46 of the continental states, with the Dakotas all that I haven't ever visited.

[PotatoChip]

2. Huh, that is an interesting factoid.

People are funny about such matters, aren't they.

Lucky you-- traveling like you do. There are many, many states I would someday like to see.

I hope you enjoy the visit to Maine... and have good weather for it!

[SCantiGOP]

3. thanks, taterchip

I had promised my daughter that I would take her anywhere she wanted to go in the continental US for a high school graduation trip, assuming it would be San Francisco, Key West, New York, etc. She has said she wanted to go to Maine for several years now so that is where we are going. In addition to driving up the coast from Portland and spending some time in Bar Harbor we are going to scoot up to Quebec City for 2 days. Six days total, and I am really looking forward to it.
Only reason my daughter has ever given me for wanting to go to Maine is that she has never seen a rocky beach.

[xfundy]

4. She may be shocked by the beach.

That water is COLD.

[PotatoChip]

6. Yup. Beat me to that comment- :-)

[PotatoChip]

5. I'm a bit surprised by that too.

-But I think she has good taste.

Don't expect to do much (ocean) swimming, tho. There are plenty of lakes and rivers for that, but the Ocean is too cold for more than a quick dip. Brrr!

With the exception of downhill skiing, Maine is typically thought of as an 'old fart' destination. However, there actually is much more that folks of any age can do, if you like outdoor activities. One I would suggest (if you have the time) is whitewater rafting. There are class III, IV and some V rapids, and it's right on the way to Quebec City. If that is not your thing, there are some nice hiking paths and waterfalls in that area.

Oh, and Quebec City is a great little city! I'm sure you and your daughter will love it!

Congrats on her graduation!

[SCantiGOP]

7. Your ocean is for looking, not swimming

But thanks for the warning anyway. I think the trip will be mainly sightseeing.
re your 'old fart' destination comment: When I started researching the trip I told her the three things that were popping up were sightseeing, photography and antiquing. She was undetered in her goal of seeing Maine, so we'll be there in 4 weeks.

The school she is attending is only two hours away but this will be the last time I get to spend time with just the two of us before the nest empties.

[PotatoChip]

8. Bar Harbor is great for sightseeing

-Gotta squeeze in as much of Acadia National Park as you have time for. It's gorgeous!

Actually, the entire route you chose is perfect for sightseeing, photography and antiquing.

That empty nest thing can be a real bummer (I know), so enjoy your time together while you can!

[zebonaut]

9. Apparently; god doesn't like Pat Robertson

He's WAY mad at Pat

[jmowreader]

10. Someone apparently ignored the Twelfth Commandment

"Thou shalt ground thy steeple or the Light of the Lord will descend upon thee and burn thy church to the ground."