In Dayton, Ohio, teams are working hard to save what’s left of the historic St. John’s United Church of Christ after a major fire broke out early Thursday morning.
The church, which is around 135 years old and located at the corner of 515 East Third Street, caught fire in the early hours of the morning, causing serious damage.
The fire was so intense that flames were visible from several blocks away. According to fire officials, the fire started on the second floor of the church and quickly spread to the roof and attic. Firefighters arrived quickly and tried their best to control the fire.
At one point, they had to switch from fighting the flames from the inside to tackling it from the outside because the structure became unsafe.
Several crews were called to the scene, and they stayed for hours to bring the fire under control. While the main fire has been put out, fire officials say there are still hotspots inside the building, and cleanup work is expected to take time.
Crews have now started the process of salvaging what they can from the building. They are working carefully to remove any valuable or historical items before demolition becomes necessary. According to officials, they are also checking if parts of the structure can still be saved or if the damage is too severe.
The church has been a part of the Dayton community for more than a century and holds a lot of emotional and historical value.
People in the neighborhood were seen watching the situation unfold with sadness. Many residents shared memories of weddings, baptisms, and community events held at the church.
Members of the church say they are heartbroken by the fire but are thankful no one was hurt. They also say they are hopeful about rebuilding or at least preserving what they can. According to one of the church members, it’s more than just a building—it’s a symbol of hope and togetherness for many families.
The Dayton Fire Department is still investigating the cause of the fire. At this point, it is not known what exactly sparked the flames. The fire did not spread to nearby buildings, but the surrounding area was closed off to ensure public safety.
City officials are also working closely with the church leadership and fire teams to make sure the site is secured. They have promised to support recovery efforts and help in any way possible.
St. John’s United Church of Christ has been serving the Dayton community since the late 1800s. Over the years, it has been involved in various charitable events and has provided support to people from all walks of life. It’s known for its welcoming environment and strong community outreach programs.
This tragic event has left many in the community shaken, but also united. Local residents, city leaders, and even people from outside Dayton are offering their help and support to the church members during this difficult time. Fundraisers and donation drives are expected to be organized soon to support rebuilding efforts.
As the cleanup continues and the damage is fully assessed, it remains unclear what the future holds for the building. However, what is clear is that the church’s legacy and impact on the community will not be forgotten.
The church leadership has said they will share more updates in the coming days. Meanwhile, the focus remains on salvaging as much as possible, securing the site, and making sure the community continues to stay informed and supported.