HISTORIC METHODIST CHURCH DESTROYED BY FIRE

A Doniphan historical treasure which dates back to 1851 was lost in a fire during the early morning hours of April 24. At about 4:12 a.m., a call came through Doniphan Dispatch that The Doniphan United Methodist Church, one of the town's oldest buildings, was in flames. The page went out at 4:13, and the first firefighters arrived on the scene at about 4:20 a.m., according to Doniphan Fire Chief Brian Byrd. The fire appeared to have started in the southwest corner of the church sanctuary. Four engines and 23 firefighters responded, and crews were still working to contain the fire throughout the morning. Byrd stated four engines were used and three rural departments provided mutual aid. Byrd stated the fire is under investigation by the fire marshal. There is no reason at this time to suspect foul play. "The building is old, and has been added onto several times, so it's difficult to say what could have caused it." Doniphan United Methodist Church is well known to have has served the area's homeless as a place of refuge during harsh weather; however, there was no one staying in the building at this time.