Scoville Hall Devastated by Fire Saturday

, the 's meeting house, was destroyed by fire early Saturday morning and investigators are now trying to determine the cause.

Amagansett Fire Chief Mark Bennett said the building, located on Meeting House Lane, just up from the street from the church and the pastor's house, is "pretty much a loss."

When he arrived on scene, at about 3:30 a.m., the two front doors and two side windows were already blown from the flames, Bennett said. "There was a lot of fire going on in the inside."

Bennett called for the help of the East Hampton and Springs fire departments. All told, there was an aerial truck and two engines on scene quickly. The Sag Harbor Fire Department's Rapid Intervention Team also responded in case a firefighter needed to be rescued during the blaze. The Montauk Fire Department stood by at Amagansett headquarters.

The chief said the fire was knocked down within 20 to 30 minutes.

Still, the roof caved in on the large building and the front portion is burned out.

Bennett said he isn't sure how the fire started. The East Hampton Fire Marshal's office is reportedly working with the Suffolk County Arson Squad to determine the cause.

The building dates to the 1920's. It's used as a community center of sorts with two large meeting spaces. A Spanish congregation and AA groups use the space often. Upstairs, there is a stage and seating for more than 100 people. A modern, fully operational kitchen is downstairs with room for more than 25 full-size tables.

The pastor, , is a volunteer member of the Amagansett Fire Department, but was on vacation, Bennett said. Howarth, the department chaplain and EMT, is on his way back now.

Bennett said it's sad to think of the building gone. "I've actually just got pictures of my mother, at 15, sitting on the steps," Bennett said.

This story will be updated with more information as it becomes available.