A driver lost control of his truck and ran into West Swamp Mennonite Church on March 9 near Quakertown, Pa. No one was in the church at the time. The driver suffered minor injuries.

The collision destroyed the church sign and damaged the church building, breaching an exterior wall and causing interior damage to the fellowship hall and men’s bathroom.

Numerous first responders arrived on the scene, and a large tow truck eventually removed the septic tank truck from the church property. The fire marshall expressed concern for the building’s structural integrity, so the church is pursuing action to ensure no further damage occurs.

“It’s good to be reminded at moments like this that, as much as our church building is a valuable resource, passed on to us by prior generations of faithful stewards, we are the church, ourselves,” said Pastor Michael Howes in communication with his congregants about the incident.

The congregation has met in multiple buildings since it was organized in 1717. The first building at the current location was built in 1790 and replaced most recently in 1873.