Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1925-11-14
Interior OF Building Gutted By
Flames On Wednesday Origin
OF Fire Unknown.
INSURANCE INADEQUATE
TO REPLACE EDIFICE

The alarm Of fire on Wednesday
last called out the department to fight
a blaze that had been discovered by
e. J. Harris, photographer, in the
Episcopal Church building just across
the street from Mr.. Harris residence.
From the smoke that was pouring
out of every possible crevice = doors
windows, roof, and steeple-it seemed
that the whole edifce was ablaze in
side, and draft was all that was
necessary to cause great burst of
fame from every part of the building.
The appearance of flames in the rear
of the church, just where the robing
room and organ loft are located led
the firemen to attack at that point
first. The powerful stream went
crashing through the stained glass
window in the chancel above the altar,
sending the furnishings to the floor
and creating havoc amongst the
chairs, desks, and pews.
The fire however, was not in the
body Of the Church. 1t had originated
in the vestry room and had worked its
way up. burned through to the arched
ceiling in the main auditorium, and
Awas confined between this and the
Goof. The ridge pole seemed to be a.
blaze throughout the entire length of
the building and flames. could be seen
through the round window of the
tower as they sought to communicate
to this lofty belfry.
The firemen directed a stream thru
this window thus preventing the ig-
milton of the steeple, as the fame was
hurled back to the roof. But it was
impossible to reach the heart of the
blaze until the roof had been burned
through, and water could sweep
down the curved sides of the arched
ceiling.
Thus the fire was gotten under con-
troll. But not until the roof had been
burned for about two feet down on
each side of the ridge, and great holes
made in the arched ceiling. The
chairs in the chancel were charred and
water soaked; the brasses broken and
warped; the carpet ruined; the electric
fixtures destroyed; the organ soaked
and pipes warped; the vestments burn
ed; books rendered useless; and gen
eral devastation spread.
Just how the fire originated is not
known. Tt seemed to have broken
out in the robing room in the corner
next to the chancel, but just what
caused the blaze is not known. Sever
al theories were advanced. One, that
a short circuited wire had done the
work; another, that mice had set of
a box of matches kept in drawer OF
a table which stood in the corner
where the fire seemed to have started
and still another that someone using
that room had used matches, cigars
or cigarettes carelessly. The church
is always kept open for those who de-
sire to worship at times apart from
regular services, and it is reported
that persons have been seen emergin.
from the doors. But it is not likely
the true source of the ignition vii
ever be known.
The vestry carried nearly $4,000
worth Of insurance including that OIL
the organ and the memorial windows
This will not cover the loss, and it il
probable that this amount will be par
ed. The church will be rebuilt just a.
soon as losses are adjusted by tn
companies.
st. Mary's Church is connected witt
the early history of Pocomoke City
to rst service having been held in i
6 ky 20, 1845, and it's consecratio1
Il the service of God was solemnize'
on November 13, 1845, Rt. Rev. w. R
Wilmington, officiating. At that tim
st. Mary's was connected with ST
Stephens, and constituted the parisl
4 of Coventry included in the diocese o
y HMaryland. Pocomoke Parish was no
organized until 1855, and the dioces
of Easton not until 1868, with H. {
Law as it's first bishop followed b.
p;cbonc Adams and Davenport.