The Fire

September 21, 1946, tragedy struck. Major renovations were just being completed when fire broke out. The sanctuary was completely destroyed. The organ fell from the loft above the pulpit into the basement. The rest of the building suffered fire and water damage. For the next seven years First Methodist worshiped at First Presbyterian, and in the Fulton School. Evidence of the fire still exists in the blackened stones around the steeple, and in scorched timbers in the organ chamber above the balcony. (This is visible from the 3rd floor attic.)

After some discussion the decision was made to rebuild at Duke and Walnut, rather than follow the trend of moving to the suburbs. This marked a major commitment to city ministry by First Church. In the new construction, the direction of the sanctuary was reversed. In the original building the main entrance was from the Duke St. side of the church and the chancel was at the opposite end of the sanctuary. New pillars were installed to support the sanctuary walls and the area that now houses Fellowship Hall was excavated. The rebuilt church was dedicated December 13, 1953.

Pre-fire

Post-fire