Kansas church destroyed by fire

Hillsboro MB Church in Kansas burned to the ground Sunday March 7. Formed in 1881, then known as Johannestal Church of French Creek, it was the first Mennonite Brethren church in which all the founders were from the United States, not Russia. The church currently has almost 600 members and a Sunday turnout of about 450.

Photo courtesy of Hillsboro Free Press

Members are shocked by the devastation. According to the Hillsboro Star-Journal, one member noticed smoke around 3:30 pm, and the fire department received a call at 3:49. Fires continued to flare for three days.

Five county fire districts came to help control the fire and several farmers brought tankers of water. Approximately 15 homes were evacuated and one home burned in the blaze.

According to The Wichita Eagle, the congregation gathered for worship at Hillsboro High School gymnasium the following Sunday. Pastor Bruce Porter reminded his congregation that, despite the loss, people, not the building, are the church. According to Christian Leader, Porter sees this as an opportunity to witness to their community. He hopes that members will keep their loss in perspective and their focus on God.

The church has the permission of the school district to meet in the gymnasium until they find another place to meet.

—Fiona Kamphuis