Official Cause To Be Released In Two-Four Weeks: Loss Of Doniphan United Methodist Church Devastates Community

The town and religious community are mourning the loss of an important part of Doniphan’s church history.

The beautiful Doniphan United Methodist Church, which dates back to 1888, was destroyed by a fire that began during the early morning hours of April 24.

Only the charred remains of the original part of the building and one section of an added part of the structure can still be seen at the site, which is located on 305 Plum Street.

Michael O’Connell, communications director for the Missouri Department of Public Safety’s Division of Fire Safety, stated, “Based on interviews done at the scene and due to the extent of the damage, no definite area of origin or cause has been determined for the fire.”

O’Connell said an official report has not yet been released by investigators, and results may not be available for another two to four weeks.

O’Connell went on to say, “Because this was a church, the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agency was also called in on the investigation.

In addition, “A special agent with the St. Louis Regional Bomb and Arson Unit came to the scene and used an excellent detection canine to determine if any fire accelerants were used and none were detected,” said O’Connell.

O’Connell said, based on interviews at the scene, “This is not considered to be a criminal investigation.” Preliminary reports stated the fire was reported by a citizen who was using a room the church routinely kept open for the public. He told Dispatch he “smelled smoke.” Had the fire been reported later, it might not have been so quickly contained.

According to Doniphan Fire Chief Brian Byrd, Dispatch received the call at about 4:12 a.m., and the page went out at 4:13. The first firefighters arrived on the scene at about 4:20 a.m.

Byrd said when he arrived it looked to him that the fire may have started somewhere in the area of the southwest corner of the church sanctuary.

“That part of the building is old, and it has been added onto several times, so it’s difficult to say what caused the fire,” said Byrd.

Four engines and 23 firefighters responded, and crews were still working to contain the fire throughout the day.

Byrd stated three rural departments provided mutual aid.

The Methodist Church congregation nonetheless held Sunday morning worship services. In the spirit of Christian love and unity, the First Christian Church of Doniphan came forward and offered to let the Methodists share their building.

Doniphan Methodist Pastor Kent Wilfong said, “Yes, the structure at 305 Plum Street was destroyed, but that part was just the building. The church survives and even thrives.

The Methodists have been offered to use the Presbyterian Church on 209 Locust Street (next to the Library) for services until they can rebuild. Sunday School starts at 10 a.m., and worship service follows at 11 a.m.

“People from all over the world are praying for us and contacting us to see what they can do. For me, collateral beauty is the good that comes out of bad times. The love and care we are receiving is that collateral beauty.”