New York Middle Collegiate Church And Historic Liberty Bell Ruined In Huge Fire

The New York City Fire Department was working hard to put out a six-alarm fire early Saturday at a church in the East Village. The 130-year-old Middle Collegiate Church, which houses NYC’s historic Liberty Bell, was essentially destroyed by the time firefighters were able to put out the flames.

The fire initially began a little before 5 a.m. at a vacant building NBC New York reports. However, as time progressed, the flames spread and eventually reached the church.

In an Instagram post, New York Fire Department Assistant Chief John Hodgens revealed firefighters were dispatched shortly after the blaze was reported and worked quickly to put out the flames.

“Our units arrived in three minutes, very fast response time. Upon arrival, we had heavy fire showing from the corner building on East 7th Street. We quickly transmitted additional alarms to get more help here. We knew this was going to be a big operation,” he said in the statement.

Hodgens added, “We had all of our units in position, and we were quickly able to contain it to that area. We have four minor injuries to Firefighters at this time. We are going to be operating here for a while.”

Investigators are still working to determine what caused the blaze that destroyed the historic church.

The church’s location on 7th Street and 2nd Avenue was built in 1892, according to the Middle Church website. Prior to that, the first sanctuary was built in 1729 on Nassau Street between Cedar and Liberty and was later moved to Lafayette Place and 4th Street in 1839.

Over the years, the Liberty Bell (not to be confused with the famous Philadelphia icon) has rung following the death of presidents, inaugurations, and commemorative events such as the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Reverend Jacqueline J. Lewis of Middle Collegiate Church admitted she was shattered over the fire but insisted the congregation would rely on their faith to get them through this difficult time.

“We are devastated. We are gutted like our building is gutted; our hearts are crushed like our doors are crushed,” said in a statement.

“But we know how to be the church, and we know that God is God, yesterday, today, and tomorrow.”