St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Beecher was destroyed Sunday by a fire that broke out during the congregation’s annual Oktoberfest celebration in the parking lot, fire officials said.

       Beecher fire officials were at the scene responding to an ambulance call for an ill person when the fire was reported inside the church. Emergency medical team crews helped evacuate the building, according to a news release from the Beecher Fire Protection District.

       The department reported heavy smoke and fire was found near the steeple on the north end of the building at 1407 W. Church Road, and crews encountered heavy smoke and fire in the vaulted ceiling while attempting to enter through the south end of the church.

       Several departments responded to help with a rural water supply operation, as the closest fire hydrant was a mile away, according to the release. The fire department reported about 91,000 gallons of water was used to extinguish the fire.

       One firefighter was taken to the hospital for heat exhaustion and another three were treated on the scene, the department reported.

       [Most read] A dominating defensive performance and more QB questions: Brad Biggs’ 10 thoughts on the Chicago Bears’ Week 2 win over the Cincinnati Bengals ？

       The department said the church was founded in 1865 and has been a staple in the community. In a post on social media, a church representative echoed those sentiments, saying, “This shepherd’s heart aches at the history and legacy that was lost as the church burned.”

       “To look at the smoldering rubble is gut-wrenching. All that remains of the steeple are these charred and smoking timbers,” the Facebook post said. “Devastating. Tragic.”

       Church officials also thanked emergency personnel, writing, “Your efforts are so very appreciated and valued!” And it shared a hymn and a message of hope, although it did not directly address plans about rebuilding. The church website did not appear to be updated since the fire.

       “The building is gone, but the church remains. This building served the church of St. Paul’s well for our first 150 years,” it said. A pinned post on the church page offers a link for donations.

       The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Beecher Fire Protection District, the Illinois State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

       Fire destroys historic Beecher church during Oktoberfest

       30m

       Speak Out reader opinion: If speed kills, why isn’t everyone on Germany’s Autobahn dead?

       4h

       Chicago Bears A dominating defensive performance and more QB questions: Brad Biggs’ 10 thoughts on the Chicago Bears’ Week 2 win over the Cincinnati Bengals

       3h

       Breaking News ‘We can’t arrest ourselves out of this,’ says Ald. James Cappleman after Uptown attack at known ‘problem corner’

       Sep 19, 2021

       Politics Mayor Lori Lightfoot set to unveil 2022 budget proposal with boost in spending for police as city struggles to address violence

       4h