Congregation Mourns Loss of Church

By SHARON ROWEN
News Staff Writer
NEWKIRK — Members of the First United Methodist Church in Newkirk are mourning the loss of their 103 year old church that was destroyed by fire Tuesday morning.
"We feel like the disciples did during the three days Christ was dead," said the Rev. James Hollifield. "We know the resurrection is coming but we don't know when."
A four alarm fire broke out at the church around 4 a.m. Tuesday.
Newkirk, Peckham, Kildare and Ponca City fire units responded to the blaze and were on scene until after 1 p.m.
Newkirk Fire Chief Jerry Evans said firefighters went into "defense mode" and fought hard to save a new fellowship hall that was under construction at the site.
Evans said that agents from the Bureau of Alcohol and Tobacco and Firearms are in town today. "It is mandatory for the ATF to respond to all church fires under a Presidential Declaration," said Evans.
Hollifield said that the church will be rebuilt. "We are strong folks," he added. "We are really hurting and mourning the loss. Right now the walls are still standing and the bell tower and cross are intact."
He indicated that a crane will be used at some point to remove the tower and cross and the hope is to use them in the new structure. Some of the walls may have to be knocked down for safety reasons.
Hollifield said the sanctuary was built in 1902 by the labor of the church members and the fellowship hall was built in 1960.
A new fellowship hall was under construction and was saved by firefighters. "It suffered some smoke damage, but could still be completed in 90 days," said Hollifield.
According to information provided by Newkirk Historian Karen Dye, the church was built at a cost of $6,400. An estimate of damages done by the fire has not been made. The official cause of the fire is under investigation; however, there is speculation that an extension cord may be the origin of the fire.
Hollifiled commented that investigators know the area where the fire started and that he believes it could have been a wiring problem, but he stressed he is not an expert and is waiting for the investigators conclusion.
Hollifield said he is very grateful to firefighters. "They went above and beyond the call of duty," he said. "They saved the new building and we had no loss of life."
Fire Chief Evans extended appreciation to the Red Cross. "They were there with coffee and donuts and they do a great job."
Members of the church will gather for dinner and a general meeting tonight at 6 at the First Christian Church located at 301 West Ninth Street in Newkirk.
Hollifield said they will discuss where to hold upcoming services.

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PRE-DATING STATEHOOD, the historical First United Methodist Church in Newkirk was lost to a massive fire first reported at 3:56 a.m. Tuesday. Fire units from Ponca City, Kildare and Peckham joined with Newkirk to battle the inferno. Newkirk's Methodist congregation began with the land run in 1893, with the existing chapel built from stone quarried nearby. The cornerstone was laid in 1902. Cause of the fire is undetermined. (News Photo by Rolf Clements)
IN CLOSE quarters, firefighters try to prevent the further spread of Tuesday's fire at the First United Methodist Church in Newkirk. Falling ceiling beams and other burning materials made the job hazardous. Firefighters battled to save the new fellowship hall on the south, but the old fellowship hall to the north was destroyed along with the chapel and its stained glass windows dating to 1936. (News Photo by Rolf Clements)

front pg FIRE INVESTIGATORS met at the First United Methodist Church site in Newkirk today trying to determine the cause of the early morning fire which destroyed the historic chapel built in 1902. Joining federal ATF Special Agent Billy Magalassi, from right, were State Fire Marshal Agent Sam Schafnitt and Ponca City Fire Marshal David VanBuskirk. (News Photo by Rolf Clements)