Adrian church destroyed in large fire, investigations underway

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Adrian, Missouri, woke up to quite the sight Wednesday morning after a large church in the heart of its downtown went up in flames, according to the Bates County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies said that at about 6:15 a.m., dispatch received a 911 call reporting a fire at the United Methodist Church — located at the intersection of Kentucky Street and Main Street in Adrian, Missouri.

Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke coming from the eaves of the building and the church fully in flames.

Additional emergency aid was called to the scene, including Butler, Amsterdam, Drexel, Central Cass, Harrisonville and Dolan West Dolan fire departments to help stop the spread.

Bates County EMS, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Bates County Sheriff’s Office also aided local crews.

According to deputies, the cause of the fire is currently under investigation by both the Adrian Fire Department, the Fire Marshal’s Office and the ATF.

Just after 10:50 a.m. Wednesday morning, the church’s pastor, Bridget Cashman, made a statement on the church’s Facebook page . Cashman assured the Adrian community and congregation that no one was hurt in the fire and that services would continue.

The statement said:

“ Adrian UMC congregation, family, friends… the building caught fire this morning. It was noticed around 6AM & emergency teams arrived right away. Praise God no one was in the building. Everyone is ok!

I know this has been a meeting place for many of you for generations… I know our hearts are aching but THE CHURCH is not lost! THE CHURCH has not fallen! THE CHURCH is still standing strong on our firm foundation because THE CHURCH is not a building, it is the PEOPLE and the people of Adrian UMC will come together & we will rebuild the building. God is with us and for us. He will bring beauty from the ashes!

We will meet tonight at 5:30PM across the street from the church at Adrian Service Center to come together to pray & we will meet on Sunday for worship. Watch Facebook for Sunday service location!

Love you all, in Christ,

Pastor Bridget Cashman “

Images of the fire were posted on the Bates County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page Wednesday morning. To view those, click here .

This is a developing story. Stay tuned at FOX4 News for the latest updates and information.

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