Fire Destroys Church In West Pullman
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Fire investigators were trying to determine what sparked a large fire early Monday morning, destroying a small church in West Pullman.
Firefighters were called to Hyde Park AME Church just after 3 a.m. When they arrived, they saw flames burning though the roof, which later collapsed as fire crews poured water on the burning building.
No injuries were reported, but the intense flames forced firefighters to take defensive positions, and keep a safe distance from falling debris.
The church's pastor said he's devastated at the loss of the church where he's led services since 1974. He said the church moved to West Pullman from Hyde Park, after another fire there destroyed the church in 1973.
Tabb said his congregation's resolve is stronger than any fire. He said his congregation of more than 30 people would have to move on somehow.
"We'll continue to try to do the work in this community that the Lord's called us to do. We're just fortunate nobody was in the church. It didn't happen while people were in worship, and we're just fortunate that nobody was hurt," Rev. Marcus Tabb said. "We have a very small, growing congregation. We're a community church; try to do what we can, and be a blessing to the community, and we'll continue to do so wherever we can."
Tabb said he plans to rebuild the church. The faith community saw what happened, and has been reaching out to make sure the congregation has a place to worship until Hyde Park AME is rebuilt.
"Other pastors, again, part of organizations that have reached out; Pastors United for Change president Roosevelt Watkins has called me and said, 'Whatever you need, we are here for you.' So we're already getting support from the community, and we're very happy about that," Tabb said.
He said the church already had been using space at another AME church nearby, because his church was soon to undergo renovations.
Investigators said heavy equipment would be needed to remove rubble from the scene before determining what caused the blaze.