Photo Courtesy of Julian Song Photography

On Wednesday night, September 2nd, at about 6:24 pm, one of the oldest churches in Rockford was engulfed in flames. The former Rockford Masonic Cathedral which is located at 607 Walnut Street, was 150 years old and due to the wooden structure, the flames spread very quickly.

For several years, the church had been abandoned and condemned. The firefighters are planning to now demolish the church because due to the intensity of the flames. Firefighter crews battled these flames in a defensive position and wore protective clothing due to the asbestos that was in the roof tiles.

There were no injuries reported and a cause is unknown at this time. Because the church was condemned and there was no electricity, Fire Officials say they are opening an arson investigation and believe someone intentionally set it on fire. Many locals are upset and say it’s heartbreaking to see the church in flames. The damages are estimated at $300,000.

Edged into the wall, is the year 1869… just a little piece of Rockford history, now gone.

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