Democratic Sentinel, Volume 13, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 November 1889 — BURNED TO THE GROUND [ARTICLE]

BURNED TO THE GROUND

DR. TALMAGE’S CHURCH A HEAP OF BID'S. The Great Edifice at Brooklyn Comp'etely Destroyed by Fire a Second Time—ltsPastor Postpones His 1 rip to the Hol> Land and Appeals for Help. The Rrouklyn tabernacl*, of |whicb T. DeWitt Talmage, D. D , is pastor, has been, for the second time in itehistory, totally destroyed by fire. At 2:15 o’clock in the morning a policeman discovered flames issuing from one ot small window over the main entrance, and, rushing to the nearest signal-box, sent ire an alarm. The firemen found the fire had assumed large proportions, and addidionaf alarms, calling all available aparatus, were at once sent in. It became evenfc that the edifice was doomed to destruction. It burned like a tinder box, and the fireman. despairing of saving it, directed their efforts to the adjoining property. Many of tho occupants of the neighboring dwellings were already awake* and the policeproceeded to arouse those who were sleeping. The three-story frame structure at 853 Shermerliorn street, addjoining the church on the east side, was the first to take fire, and 355, a similar structure,, followed; 357 was also damaged. On the west side of the church the flames extended to two brick dwellings, and on the opposite side of Scbermerhorn street a row of three-story brick dwellings, 338 to 348, suffered from the intense heat. Window glass was broken and woodwork: scorched. The residents of the neighborhood, awakened either by the roar of the flames or by the pounding of the police upon their doors, became frightened and rushed out half-dressed and in their night clothes, and the police had great difficulty in assuring them that they were in no danger. Fortunately there was no loss of life or limb. Tlje police carried out one old lady from 337 Schermerhorn street and placed her in a' bouse at a safe distance. All the other inmates were able to care for themselves. But while the firemen and the policeworked for the salvation of property and people the doomed building was rapidly being consumed and in an hour’s rime only tottering walls remained. Dr. Talmage was on the scene soon after the first alarm and did not leave until he had seen the edifice which had been his pride laid ire ashes. The origin of the fire is unknown, but it is thought that it may have been caused bylightning. The loss on the church building', including the organ, which was one of the finest in the country, is 50,000. It is said to be covered by insurance in a number of companies. The building was of fourteenth century Gothic architecture and was dedicated Feb. 22, 1874. It was of brick, with stone trimmings, with a frontage of 150 feet and a depth of 113 feet, to which had recently been added an extension 60 feet wide and 12 deep. The seating capacity was 2,800 and it was always fully taxed at the Sunday services. The previous structure, which was built of corrugated iron, was destroyed by fire Sunday morning Dec. 22, 1872. T hat fire was also of unexplained origin. Dr. Talmage has issued the following address: To the People: —By sudden calamity we are without a church.• The building consecreated by so much that is dear to us is in ashes. In behalf of my stricken congregation I make appeal for help, as our church has never confined its work to thij locality. Our church has never been sufficient either in size or appointment for the people who come. We want to build something worthy of our city and worthy of the cause of God We want SIOO, OOu, which, added to the insurance, will build us what is needed. I make appeal to all our friends through Christendom, toall denominations, to all creeds and those of no creeds at all to come to our assistance. I ask all readers of my sermons the world over to contribute as far as their means will allow. What we do as a church depends upon the immediate response made to this call; I was on the eve of departure for a brief visit to the Holy Land that I might be better prepared for my work here, but that visit must be posponed. I cannot leave until something is done to decide our future. May the God who has our destiny as individuals aud churches in his hand appear for our deliverance. Response to this appeal to the people may be sent to me at Brooklyn, N. Y.‘, and I will with my own hands acknowledge the receipt thereof.”