Last Updated 4 weeks by Amnon J. Jobi | Amnon Front Page

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The fire broke around 1:20 p.m. Monday at the Church of the Living God on 38th Street near Shadeland Avenue.

Both Lawrence and Indianapolis Fire departments responded to scene after multiple witnesses called 911.

Flames shot through the roof of the northwest side of the building. Firefighters say the roof of the church collapsed into the small sanctuary. Around seven firetrucks showed up on the scene, and it took about 30 minutes for the fire to get under control.

No one was hurt.

Alexander Wortham, a bishop at the church, saw it being built. “Those things can be replaced. The building can be replaced but the main thing that can’t be replaced are lives. I’m thankful and grateful to God no one was in the building.”

The bishop said they have a congregation of about 30-40 members. This is their main church, and they have various satellite churches around the country. “Having your church on fire is definitely setting off emotions. You’ve seen the church get built, lives change, people saved and you see it on fire.”

He is grateful that the church was closed during Presidents Day so no one was in their building.

The fire department will be investigating the cause of the fire.

The bishop says they will be looking to rebuild.