In New York, an important church has almost burned out completely. Pictures show a sea of flames. The cause of the fire is still unclear. Most recently there were only online church services in the congregation.
A huge fire on Saturday largely destroyed a historic church in New York’s East Village. Recordings from TV station ABC showed how flames completely enveloped the roof of the 128-year-old Middle Collegiate Church. You could also see the entire nave glowing. According to the New York Fire Department, the fire broke out around five o’clock on the first floor of an empty building in the neighborhood and then spread to the church.
The Middle Collegiate Church before the fire: The historic church is almost completely burned out. (Archive image) (Source: Alex Lozupone)
“We are deeply dismayed that our beloved shrine has burned to the ground,” Rev. Jacqui Lewis wrote on the Church website. “We know that God does not cause such tragedy, but that He is with us now in our grief.” What will become of the ruin is unclear. According to Lewis, the Protestant community has been celebrating its services online since March because of the coronavirus epidemic.
Helpers suffered minor injuries
“Unfortunately, it looks very bad,” said Rev. Amanda Ashcraft the ABC broadcaster. “The altar is badly damaged, our painted Tiffany windows are lost.” Almost 200 firefighters were on duty. It took them more than three hours to get the flames under control. Four helpers suffered minor injuries. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
The Middle Collegiate Church has around 1,300 members. The roots of the community go back to the early 17th century. It is one of the oldest in America. In its tower hangs the New York Liberty Bell, which, according to the Church, rang on the birth of the nation in 1776. In addition, the inauguration bell and the death of every US president have struck. It is currently unclear whether she survived the fire.
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