Fire destroys historic church in Wilmington, injures two firefighters

WILMINGTON, Del. (WPVI) -- A historic church in Wilmington, Delaware, was destroyed after a fire tore through the building overnight, leaving only parts of its framing and stone exterior walls standing.

Firefighters arrived to find the Mother African Union Church, located on the 800 block of North Franklin Street, fully engulfed in flames. A reverend who lives nearby said he was alerted to the fire by his son, as witnesses reported hearing a loud boom.

"My son was on his way to work, and he noticed there was something going on with respect to smoke and flames. We came out right away and saw the flames just engulfed the building," said Rev. Ruben McElrath.

More than 100 firefighters responded to the scene around 3 a.m., and within 20 minutes, crews upgraded the response to a second alarm. Officials said the fire had spread heavily through the second and third floors of the church.

"It was a detached structure, thank God it was a corner we got apparatus in place and water on it quickly," said Battalion Chief Lawrence Hinds.

Nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution, though residents were later allowed to return.

As daylight revealed the extent of the damage, community members gathered and reacted emotionally to the loss.

Reverend Lawrence Livington was the pastor of the church for 22 years until 2020. On Monday, he, along with other church leaders and elected officials, spoke about the devastation of this loss.

"This congregation was the first incorporated African American congregation in the country," said Lawrence.

Dale Southam, who has lived in the neighborhood for 50 years, said the church held deep personal significance.

"I'm sick... I'm sorry," Southam said. "We've listened to gospel music over and over; it's a tremendous community. It's a sin. I hope they can rebuild."

Others at the scene were overcome with emotion and struggled to find words.

"My father, Mr. Scott, laid the cornerstone at that church," said senior pastor Ronald Whitaker.

Authorities said what's left of the historic church is structurally unstable due to extensive fire damage.

No civilians were injured, but two firefighters suffered minor injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The fire marshal's investigation could take weeks or months to complete.

"Our community will stay strong and will be stronger as a result of this," said Governor Matt Meyer.

Church officials are expected to share more information in the coming days about temporary worship arrangements.