Lightning Strike Damages Downtown Tulsa Church

A downtown Tulsa church spent Friday morning cleaning up after a lightning struck one of its buildings early Friday.

The fire department says the lightning strike damaged the facade of a First Baptist Church building.

The church says the building at 5th and Detroit houses its administrative offices and several of its small groups.  But they're thankful no one was there when lightning hit at around 5 a.m.

"A good citizen that saw it called the fire department right away so that we could get it roped off and keep people away from it," said Bobby Hart, First Baptist Church.

Church administrator Bobby Hart was surprised at the damage he saw when he showed up to work.

"When the lightning hit, it struck the parapet wall and blew some brick off as well. I know we have stones as far as a half block away," said Bobby Hart.

First Baptist says the lightning may bring some small changes for Sunday morning, but service will go on as planned.

"Our services will take place in the building behind us in the main worship center so we will have services but it's whether or not we can open up the sidewalk and driveway for folks on Sunday," said Bobby Hart.

The church says no one was hurt in the lightning strike.