Fire destroys Hillsboro MB Church
What began as a tranquil Sunday afternoon in Hillsboro ended in tragedy as a raging inferno devoured Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church.
Marion County Emergency Services received a call at 3:49 p.m. from members of the men's choir, who were practicing at the church. They were able to get out safely.
Ron Warkentin was walking by the church about 3:30 p.m. when he smelled smoke. He saw smoke coming from the chimney about the time fire fighters began to arrive.
"I just thought the outside air conditioner was burning," Warkentin said. "It just seemed like a minor fire."
Fire departments from Hillsboro, Marion, Durham, Peabody, Goessel, county fire districts, Galva, and Canton responded to the blaze, which began in the sanctuary on the south end of the church.
By nightfall, the fire had spread to the bell tower and education wing of the church.
A subdued crowd of onlookers watched as the church burned.
"That's the sanctuary where I was married," one woman said, tearfully.
City administrator Steve Garrett would not comment on the cause of the fire, which continued to burn through the night.
One other structure, a home at 112 S. Washington, received fire damage. According to Garrett, the residence was valued at $73,000. Two homes also received severe smoke damage.
Approximately 15 residences were evacuated within a one-block area. The Sunflower Chapter of the American Red Cross responded and found temporary lodging for the evacuees. The high school was open and Carousel Bed and Breakfast, 312 East A, opened its doors to displaced people.
Garrett said high service pumps at the water plant were turned on, and firefighters continued to have adequate water pressure. In spite of that, several area farmers brought in tankers of water to help with the effort.
Other volunteers were on hand to deliver bottled water and food for fire fighters.
Garrett said, "That's the kind of community we have. We pull together."
The church, which was valued at $2.3 million, was built in 1949. The sanctuary was added in 1958.
The state fire marshal was expected to arrive Monday morning.
