Investigators braved the cold in Chilton on Friday to piece together exactly what caused a large overnight fire that destroyed a historic 150-year-old church.
The Mooreville United Methodist Church is a total loss. Flames could be seen about 60 to 70 feet up in the air.
“I was just shocked and devastated just the very idea of losing our church sanctuary our building that was so old and meant so much to so many many people,” said Ann Phelps, Historian at Mooreville United Methodist Church.
Numerous fire crews and agencies responded to the church in Chilton late Thursday night and into the early Friday morning hours.
“This is a big part of history in Falls County especially for this community and to see all your history just go up in flames, it’s heartbreaking,” said Rodney Hall, Fire Chief at Chilton Volunteer Fire Department.
According to Bruceville-Eddy Volunteer Fire and Rescue, the fire began around 10:30 p.m. They were requested to bring engines and tankers to assist in battling the blaze.
“It’s going to be okay, it is a tragic, tragic loss but that history remains here (touches heart) and it remains here (touches head) and it’s just a beautiful, beautiful church and it’s so sad to see it go but Mooreville Mehtodist Church will continue,” said Rev. Dennis Rejcek, Pastor at Mooreville United Methodist Church.
The fire was put out early Friday morning, but the church was declared a total loss. No injuries have been reported.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Sunday’s services will be held in the Fellowship Hall.
Donations can be made to the “Mooreville United Methodist Church Fire Relief Fund” account at all Bancorp South locations.
You can mail a donation to:
P.O. Box 808
Marlin, TX 76661
(Information from CenTexProud.com)
