Beverly, Massachusetts, September 30, 2025
News Summary
A 17-year-old boy has been charged with breaking and entering and setting fire to the Pilgrim Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Beverly, Massachusetts. The fire, which caused smoke damage but no injuries, was reported shortly after 3:30 a.m. on Monday. Authorities quickly determined the fire was intentionally set, and the teenager was arrested nearby. The charges include breaking and entering, burning a public building, and destruction of a house of worship. Local police will increase patrols at places of worship following the incident.
Beverly — A 17-year-old boy was charged with breaking and entering and setting a fire at Pilgrim Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Beverly, Massachusetts.
What happened
The incident occurred overnight, with a 911 call received around 3:39 a.m. on Monday reporting smoke from the church. Beverly police and fire departments responded quickly to extinguish the blaze. Officials determined that the fire was intentionally set. The teenager was found in the area and taken into custody by police.
Charges and legal status
He faces charges for breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony, burning a public building or structure, and destruction of a place of worship. The boy’s arraignment in Salem Juvenile Court was originally scheduled for Monday, but was set for Tuesday instead.
Response and investigation
The State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit also responded to the scene. Beverly Fire Chief Peter O’Connor reported that the church sustained smoke damage but there were no strong flames. The police believe the teen was the sole perpetrator of the incident and that there is no further threat to the community. There are no indications of a connection to any other incidents, according to authorities.
Context and related incidents
Nearby Marblehead experienced two recent church fires, but there is no connection to the Beverly incident; a 12-year-old girl was charged in those cases. The pastor of the Beverly church expressed gratitude that no one was injured and the damage was limited. Police Chief John LeLacheur stated that extra patrols are conducted at churches and synagogues during relevant times. There has been an increase in incidents involving places of worship, according to Chief LeLacheur.
Key details at a glance
- Location: Pilgrim Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Beverly, Massachusetts
- Time of 911 call: around 3:39 a.m. on Monday
- Suspect: 17-year-old boy
- Charges: breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony; burning a public building or structure; destruction of a place of worship
- Damage: smoke damage; no strong flames reported
- Injuries: none reported
- Agencies involved: Beverly police and fire departments; State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit
- Court: Salem Juvenile Court (arraignment rescheduled to Tuesday)
Investigative status and public safety
Authorities have indicated that the detained teenager is believed to have acted alone and that there is no ongoing threat to the community. The scene was examined by local responders and the State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit to determine the origin and circumstances of the fire. Extra patrols are being conducted at houses of worship during relevant times as part of a broader safety posture after recent incidents in the area.
Background on area incidents
In a nearby community, Marblehead experienced two recent church fires, and a 12-year-old girl was charged in those cases. Officials say there is no connection between those incidents and the Beverly fire. Local religious leaders and officials emphasized relief that nobody was hurt and that damage was limited.
Next steps
Prosecutors and investigators will continue to review evidence gathered at the scene and any related forensic analysis from the State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit. The accused will appear in Salem Juvenile Court for arraignment on the rescheduled date. Law enforcement agencies have signaled continued patrols and community outreach to monitor and protect places of worship.
FAQ
What charges does the suspect face?
He faces charges for breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony, burning a public building or structure, and destruction of a place of worship.
When did the incident occur?
The incident occurred overnight, with a 911 call received around 3:39 a.m. on Monday reporting smoke from the church.
Was anyone injured?
The pastor of the Beverly church expressed gratitude that no one was injured and the damage was limited.
Was the fire determined to be intentional?
Officials determined that the fire was intentionally set.
Is there any connection to other incidents?
There are no indications of a connection to any other incidents, according to authorities.
Who responded to the scene?
Beverly police and fire departments responded quickly to extinguish the blaze.
What did Beverly Fire Chief Peter O’Connor report about the damage?
Beverly Fire Chief Peter O’Connor reported that the church sustained smoke damage but there were no strong flames.
Was a juvenile charged in other recent local church fires?
Nearby Marblehead experienced two recent church fires, but there is no connection to the Beverly incident; a 12-year-old girl was charged in those cases.
Quick reference table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| City | Beverly, Massachusetts |
| Location | Pilgrim Cumberland Presbyterian Church |
| Time reported | around 3:39 a.m. on Monday |
| Suspect | 17-year-old boy |
| Charges | breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony; burning a public building or structure; destruction of a place of worship |
| Damage | smoke damage; no strong flames |
| Injuries | none reported |
| Responding agencies | Beverly police and fire departments; State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit |
| Court | Salem Juvenile Court (arraignment rescheduled to Tuesday) |
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WCVB: Fire at Beverly Church Under Investigation
- Boston.com: Teen Accused of Setting Fire at Beverly Church
- NBC Boston: Fire Investigation Underway in Beverly
- Patch: Teen Charged in Beverly Church Fire
- Google Search: Beverly Church Fire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beverly Massachusetts
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