Sunday, August 23, 2009

St. Elmo Church is ablaze, right now



St. Elmo United Mehodist Church is ablaze, right now, with flames leaping from the roof. (Click to enlarge photos below.)




I live in the same block, but across the street from this church. My power was off for hours, shortly after I got the first photo posted here. Power is back on, I have added more photos, and unfortunately the church is gutted.
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See the aftermath by clicking here.

10 comments:

CJ said...

Man, it looks like a nice church. Let's hope for the best.

cjh

Bonnie Jacobs said...

Sorry, CJ, but the roof collapsed and the church is gutted. It's across the street from the senior community where I live, and I've visited there.

Ellen D. said...

My goodness that is terrible. Our power has been out overnight, but I didn't hear the sirens or smell the smoke from up here. It was a beautiful old church.

mavenyogi said...

it was astounding to watch. so sad...such an old church

Susan Tidwell said...

Yes, very sad, hopefully no one was inside at the time, it being Sunday and all... Great pictures, Bonnie!

Bonnie Jacobs said...

No one was inside. Someone saw smoke and told the pastor, who lives next door. He called 9-1-1 and ran into the building to make sure no one was in there. I'm glad he wasn't trapped.

Unknown said...

Oh that's such a tragedy. Do they know what caused it? Glad you're okay!

Bonnie Jacobs said...

I was never in danger, but it devastated the church members who stood around in tears.

June said...

Such a loss! Hopefully it wasn't arson. That would make it all the worse!

Bonnie Jacobs said...

The cornerstone says the building was erected in 1921, so I imagine it was electrical.