ST. LOUIS – A historic Hyde Park church was reduced to rubble on Monday as a massive three-alarm fire engulfed the vacant structure.
The blaze, which challenged nearly 80 St. Louis firefighters, was not only a fight against flames but also the freezing cold that had plagued the city for weeks.
Fire Details and Response Efforts
Timeline of Events
The fire was reported around 11:30 a.m. at the former Friedens German Protestant Church, located at 19th Street and Newhouse Avenue.
The vacant church, an architectural gem with its stained-glass windows and towering bell structure, had been empty for several years.
Challenges Faced by Firefighters
- Icy Streets: More than two weeks after a severe winter storm, icy conditions created difficulties for firefighters in accessing the scene. According to Captain Garon Mosby of the St. Louis Fire Department, the presence of onlookers slipping on the ice further complicated efforts to maneuver fire equipment.
- Extreme Cold: Firefighters worked in rotation shifts, taking breaks to warm up in the sub-freezing temperatures. A firefighter slipped on the ice during the operation but avoided injury.
Structural Collapse
Within 11 minutes of entering the building, firefighters evacuated the premises as the church’s structure began to collapse. A section of the building came down soon after, sending thick smoke billowing into the sky and temporarily blotting out the sun.
Minimal Spread to Nearby Buildings
Although flames briefly spread to four nearby vacant buildings, firefighters contained the damage with minimal destruction. No residents or responders sustained injuries during the incident.
Historic and Community Impact
The Friedens German Protestant Church, constructed over a century ago, held significant historical value for the Hyde Park neighborhood.
It was a hub of community life in the early 20th century and, in its later years, was home to the Cephas Christian Church congregation until the 2010s.
Local resident Tyanna Broadway expressed her concerns, saying, “We just hate that it’s another vacant building that’s burning in the neighborhood.” The fire marks another loss of historic architecture in the area, leaving the community reflecting on its storied past.
Investigation Underway
Since the building had no electrical service, investigators suspect the fire was started intentionally. Authorities are reviewing footage from nearby surveillance cameras to determine the cause and identify any suspects.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 19th Street and Newhouse Avenue, St. Louis |
| Time of Report | 11:30 a.m. |
| Type of Fire | Three-alarm fire |
| Structure Affected | Friedens German Protestant Church |
| Firefighter Response | Nearly 80 firefighters |
| Key Challenges | Icy streets, extreme cold |
| Evacuation | Within 11 minutes of entering the building |
| Nearby Damage | Flames briefly spread to 4 vacant buildings |
| Casualties | None reported |
| Suspected Cause | Intentional fire (investigation ongoing) |
The devastating fire at the historic Hyde Park church represents both a loss of architectural heritage and a reminder of the dangers vacant buildings pose to communities.
Thanks to the dedication of nearly 80 firefighters, the blaze was contained with minimal damage to surrounding structures and no injuries. As investigations continue, the Hyde Park community mourns the loss of another iconic piece of its history.