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October 4, 1997 - 7:30am
The church building home to Messiah Holiness Church of God in Christ, is believed to be the oldest in Youngstown.
By RON COLE, Vindicator Staff Writer
YOUNGSTOWN -The Rev. Andrew Redmond stared in disbelief this morning as his church burned.
Brownish-gray smoke poured out of the broken stained-glass windows and stately steeple of 136-year-old Messiah Holiness Church of God in Christ, on Elm Street near Youngstown State University.
"I don't know what we'll do," Assistant Pastor John Wellington said as flames poked through the church's gray-shingled roof "We'll just have to pray over it and see what happens."
The fire, which started about 7:30 a.m. today, ripped through the historic white-frame church, causing heavy damage and filling the morning sky with smoke.
Built In 1861: Nestled in the shadow of St. Columba Cathedral between Rayen Avenue and Wood Street, the church was built in 1861 and is believed to be the oldest in Youngstown.
"When we got up here, there was a lot of smoke," said James Flynn, battalion fire chief, as firefighters doused the blaze.
He said that the fire appears to have started in the basement and that it's too early to determine the cause or to estimate damage. No one was in the building, and there were no injuries.
About the church: The Welsh Congregational Church, started in 1845 in a schoolhouse in Brier Hill, erected the church on Elm Street during the Civil War at a cost of $2,2OO. When the church observed its 100th anniversary in 1945, religious leaders from throughout the region attended. At the 106th anniversary in 1951, 1,000 people jammed into the small church.
A book released this year celebrating the 150th anniversary of St. Columba Cathedral Parish says the church on Elm Street is the oldest church building in the city.
In 1975, because of dwindling membership, the building was put up for sale. In 1977, it became Messiah Holiness Church of God in Christ.
Wellington said the church has about 20 members. He said the building is insured but it's too early to say if repairs will be made.
Was Remodeling: Avis Santiago, a church member, said the church had recently remodeled the outside and was starting to remodel the inside.
She said she is not sure what church members will do for services Sunday morning.
"Where two or three are gathered in His name, ye shall praise the Lord, " she said. "This won't stop us from praising the Lord."
- Article courtesy of the Youngstown Vindicator
- Photos by Greg Ricker
[Note from Greg: This fire went to a second alarm. I was working an 11pm - 7 am shift and saw the smoke as I left. The initial alarm brought E6, E7, E12, S33, L22, B1 and B2. The second brought L24, E2 and E3 (I think) but I only recall L24 being there and operating.] |
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