CHICAGO — A fire broke out at an over-a-century-old church in the East Side neighborhood overnight.
The fire erupted at the Advocate United Church of Crist located on 103rd and Avenue L around 4 a.m. No one was in the building and no injuries were reported.
Neighbors told WGN the noise woke them up and looked outside to see flames shooting out of the over 100-year-old church.
Nearby residents of the church were ordered to evacuate, and the church pastor said when firefighters got there a brush of flames erupted upon opening the door.
“Very emotional, I really don’t have any words,” senior pastor Rev. Malcom Griffith said.
Rev. Griffith said he was doing ministry Friday and mentioned the building passed a code inspection.
He also said the church is considered a lifeline for many people and is known for its work to help the homeless.