Near midnight on Monday February 5th, the Morning Star Baptist Church caught fire. Flames could be seen over homes and treetops throughout the neighborhood. By 1:30 am many residents were still gathered in disbelief sharing stories of the historic church.

The northern Eliot church, located on the corner of Rodney Ave and Ivy St, has been a part of this neighborhood for nearly 87 years. Within an hour the church was completely destroyed. The congregation vows to continue services at the site and will hold Sunday services outside in the shadow of what remains.

For dramatic photos and coverage of this story from KATU click here.