BEVERLY — On Monday, September 29, 2025, at approximately 3:39 a.m., the Beverly Fire Department was dispatched to the Pilgrim Cumberland Presbyterian Church at 300 Cabot Street following a 911 call reporting smoke coming from the church.
According to Beverly Police Chief John G. LeLacheur, the Beverly Fire Department quickly extinguished the fire upon arriving at the scene.
“Through an on-scene investigation, it was quickly determined that the fire was intentionally set,” Chief LeLacheur said.
The State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit, assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, also responded to the scene.
Police located a 17-year-old juvenile nearby and took him into custody.
The 17-year-old male juvenile, from Beverly, was arrested and charged with:Â
- Breaking & Entering A Building at Night with Intent to Commit a Felony
- Burning a Public Building or Structure
- Destruction of a Place of Worship
“Beverly police and fire are actively investigating this incident, but believe the juvenile was the sole perpetrator and that there is no further threat to the community,” Chief LeLacheur said. “At this time, the investigation does not indicate any connection to any other incidents.”
The 17-year-old juvenile is scheduled to be arraigned today in Salem Juvenile Court.
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