Fire Destroys Historic Iowa Church

Investigators on Friday were looking for what caused a fire that destroyed a century-old church in Martensdale as firefighters watched for hot spots.

The fire at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church broke out Thursday night. Authorities said they received a call around 8:45 p.m. Thursday about smoke coming from the church.

“It’s every town’s worst nightmare,” said Martensdale Fire Chief Scott Henson.

He said there was too much smoke and flame for firefighters to go inside the church to battle the blaze. By 11 p.m. flames poured from the roof and seemed to spread to new areas of the building. Just before midnight, the bell fell from the tower with a clang.

The church is in the center of Martensdale and is surrounded by a few houses. Martensdale, which has about 500 residents, is about 20 miles south of Des Moines.

Fire crews from seven departments were called out. No one was inside the church and no one was injured.

“Flames were shooting 40 feet in the air,” said Ari Biondi, who lives across the street from the church.

The Rev. Ron Mohr, one of the church’s pastors, watched in disbelief.

“It’s hard to put into words. So many dreams. The congregation put so much work into it,” Mohr said, listing the new walls, handicap accessible features, electrical system and decorations they had installed in the past couple years. “And now this.”

Also watching the flames was Dakota Dudney, 15, who made the 911 call after seeing smoke coming out the church while walking down the street.

“I thought there’s no chimney, no fireplace or anything like that,” he said. “There has to be a fire. There’s too much smoke.”

The church has 110 members and was 108 years old. The building was originally built in Churchville, members said, before being moved to Martensdale with horses about 75 years ago. Churchville is a small community about 11/2 miles north of Martensdale and has about 50 residents, the Warren County sheriff’s office said.

Mohr said the church’s congregation would move forward and find a new building. And he predicted a large turnout at their service this Sunday, wherever they choose to hold it.