A historic midtown St. Louis church was heavily damaged by fire Thursday night.
The fire at St. Alphonsus “Rock” Church, which quickly went to five-alarms, broke out around 7:30 p.m.
St. Louis Fire Chief Sherman George said the fire started on the roof of the church, located in the 1100 block of North Grand Avenue. He said a lighting strike to the church’s steeple likely prompted the blaze.
A men’s choir practicing inside the church shortly before the fire began said they heard a loud boom before going outside to see flames.
St. Louis Archbishop Raymond Burke said he is “sorry for the parishioners,” but knows they will “make the best of this situation.”
Ground was broken for the church in 1867. Five years later, the church held its dedication ceremonies.
George said he was hopeful much of the inside could be salvaged.
No injuries were reported.
