The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-02-26

Z
serious one, ~ the building. one OF the
landsomes and most elegantly finished
HOUSES 81 worship iu the city, cost Si3-
UWl upon which there Is sun a debt
OF 5000 The magnificent organ, bought
at a cost OF 1900 is a total loss, With
only $3.50 Insurance.
4 FLIAisY STRUCTURE.
There was much talk last night and
much indignation expressed at the iiim-
sy material which had evidently been
used in fhe seemingly massive church.
Had it been an Old-held fchOOl-hOusc the
progress OF the flames could not have
been more rapid. ln thirty minutes after
the discovery Of the fire ;he flames had
drfed all control. and wsre climbing into
the tower. while the small scantliugs
used as jOists snapped Ike splinters.
IL Is cOntended that had the building
been constructed as 1t should have been
the fire would never have gotten outside
its walls.
THE FIRST CHURCH BURNED.
Another noticeable fact ia connection
with the fire was that the Grace Street
church was the first one ever consumed
by fire in this city. While the flames
were raging and the beautiful structure
was being consumed, expressions OF SYM
pathy for Or. Hatcher ana his COngrega-
tiOn were 10 be- heard on ait sides. II
seems 60 be the prevailing opinion that Dr.
Hatcher's congregation viii rally around
him. and that the church viii be rebuilt
as soon as possible.
Ine Irfmen We're lOat ~ expressing
their Indignation az the scarcity OF water
I'm the plugs. Another thing against
which they had 10 contend was the high
wind. that blew thc streams OF water 10
pieces and scattered them in their sprays
iy~r the fire. thus robhlug the water Of
It's force and power OF concentration on
any one point.
owing 10 the torn-up condition of Broad
street. the steamer company from the
Third police station was unable 20 turn
in At 81 tn on
10 First street and come around before IL
could be Of any service. This delay was
costly.
A detail OF Gremen guarded the burned
building all Of hast night. and kept con-
staut stream Of water playing on the
smoking debris To-day Superintendent
Puller will have the remaining walls
pulled down. for they are in very dan
gcrous condition. and are liable 10 col
lapse at any moment.
NOTES or THE FIRE.
Tie ambulance was summoned when 4
was seen that the fire had assumed such
formidable proportions. II was stationed
AT the corner of FOushee and Broad
streets. in order 20 be in readiness IN case
The BAPTIST churches Of the city will
throw omen their doors 10 DR.. Hatcher s
congregation until they can secure some
mace In which 10 continue their worship.
number OF tine electric tight and
telephone wires on foushee street were
cut and otherwise damaged, Dut none OF
the wires Of the Fire Department were
injured. The electric light people soon
had n force of men at work repairing
the damage 70 their lines.
The awning OF Latouche Brothers
tailoring establishment, near the corner
of Seventh and Main streets. took fire
either from a passing engine or from fall.
ing sparks from the burning church.
The awning was torn down and the FIRE
extinguished With Few buckets OF
water.
A small blaze started on the roof OF
the house az the corner OF Seventh and
Main, occupied by Mr. Hayes.
The kitchen IN the rear OF the house
occupied by Rev. Iandon r. Mason. No
: north Second street, also caught fre
from the falling sharks. as did n number
of roofs OF other houses. 4, A.,
History Of the Church.
The Grace-Strcet Baptist church was
dedicated March 20 1884. The dediccfory
sermon was preached by the late Rev.
lContinued on Second Paael