150-year-old Indiana church suffers severe damage in fire

Southern Indiana firefighters stopped the historic Trinity United Methodist Church from completely burning to the ground on Monday, according to the Madison Fire Department. Emergency crews fought the blaze across multiple floors and ultimately a large portion of the roof collapsed, along with at least one other wall, fire officials reported.

Madison Mayor Bob Courtney released a Tuesday statement confirming that no civilians or firefighters were injured during the incident. Dozens of firefighters from nearby municipalities assisted Madison fire officials in the hourslong response. Bystander footage of the fire appeared to show large clouds of gray smoke billowing from the church building and into the steeple.

Trinity released photos on Wednesday showing that several walls of the historic church’s building along with the steeple remained standing, despite the severe fire damage. Trinity received an outpouring of support over the historic and iconic structure, according to the church. Trinity aimed to rebuild the church and refortify the walls to stand for another 150 years, the statement added.

Construction first began on the building in September 1872 and it hosted its first service the following September, according to the church. Before the fire, the sanctuary included the original wooden pews, along with wood curtains along the walls and a stained glass window from 1912.

What caused the fire? Fire officials were called to the scene on a report of a golf cart fire that may have extended to the building, according to the department. The fire’s official cause remained under investigation by the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Madison Fire Department.

WORLD reached out to Trinity United Methodist for more details. This story will be updated with any response received.