A fire early Monday morning destroyed the First Methodist Church of Marshall, a beloved East Texas landmark. Established in 1839, with the current building dating back to 1861, the church was a historical symbol that had survived renovations and the Civil War, according to KENS5.

While the fire's cause remains under investigation, the church, which is situated at 300 E. Houston St., has been a cornerstone in the community. It held a significant place in history, having stored ammunition in its basement during the Civil War, and its bell, once donated to the Confederacy, was replaced in 1865 by one purportedly taken from the Federal Army. The sanctuary itself served as a meeting place for southern leaders at the time, as detailed by KENS5. Honored with a Texas Historical Marker in 1965, and placed on the National Register in 2006, the loss has touched the hearts of many in the Marshall community and beyond.

Officials from the church confirmed that there were no injuries resulting from the destructive incident. In the wake of the devastation, the First Methodist Church officials maintained a hopeful outlook, stating, "Please keep this church congregation in your prayers," and "God has amazing plans ahead," as reported by KETK. The church was known for holding worship services every Sunday at 9 and 11 a.m.

Responding to the tragic event, State Senator Bryan Hughes expressed his condolences, "Our prayers are with Pastor David Luckert and his congregation during this difficult time," closely mirroring sentiments by local church officials. The communal embrace and spirit of resilience in the community, as tragedy struck the heart of Marshall, could almost be felt through these shared words of healing and solidarity, as reported by KETK.

Further details regarding the cause and full extent of the fire are expected to be revealed with ongoing investigations. Local news outlets including KENS5 intend to update their readers as new information comes to light.