A recent fire at a historic church in St. Paul has prompted urgent safety measures to secure the damaged steeple. Following the blaze, efforts are underway to stabilize the structure, enabling the reopening of surrounding sidewalks and roads. The owner, William Hanson, has been overseeing the former Trinity Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church, located on Farrington Street and Sherburne Avenue, ensuring it remains accessible for prayer at all hours over the past decade.
Built in 1902, the church has a rich history chronicled by Historic St. Paul, a nonprofit dedicated to preservation. Previously, the site was home to the Rock Temple Church of God in Christ. Hanson emphasizes the church’s role as a sanctuary open to all, stating, “People come in all hours of the day and night,” resisting structured events in favor of inclusivity.
The recent fire is believed to have been caused by a lightning strike, as reported by the fire department. Hanson, residing in the church’s basement, initially heard a loud noise resembling a light bulb bursting, which led him to investigate the electrical circuit. Shortly thereafter, he noticed the steeple ablaze and promptly alerted the authorities. Firefighters arrived around 5:30 p.m. to extinguish the flames amidst a storm.
Due to the steeple’s instability, St. Paul’s Department of Safety and Inspections has restricted access to pedestrians and vehicles on Sherburne Avenue between Virginia and Farrington streets, as well as Farrington Street between Sherburne and Charles avenues. These closures will persist until repairs are completed.
The church’s steeple had previously suffered damage from wind and hail, prompting an insurance claim by Hanson three years ago. While the insurance company initially dropped coverage, recent communications confirmed the provision of funds necessary to ensure the steeple’s safety. However, just two hours after receiving this assurance, the lightning struck, further highlighting the site’s vulnerability.
Hanson remains hopeful, attributing the incident to a higher purpose and urging collective support beyond insurance companies. Although he has received some insurance funds, he awaits the remaining amount to fully repair the steeple. Plans are in place to engage a contractor and commence repairs by Monday.
Once the city approves, Hanson intends to return to his basement residence and continue his ministerial work. Known affectionately as “Rev.,” Hanson humbly regards himself as a servant, committed to the church’s mission without deriving income from his efforts. Should additional insurance funds become available, they will be allocated toward ongoing maintenance of the steeple.
