Beloved Church Outside of St. Francis Struck by Lightning, Catching Fire

Salem Lutheran Church. Photo courtesy of the History of St. Francis Facebook page.

Thunderstorms swept the region on Monday evening, June 8, bringing heavy rain, gusting winds, and plenty of lightning. During these storms, around 11 pm Central time, dispatch was called to the scene of Salem Lutheran Church in Cheyenne County, Northwest of St. Francis.

When they arrived, the entire church was engulfed in flames after a lightning bolt struck the building. Unfortunately, the building was already too far gone, so the mission switched to a more defensive approach and making sure the fire didn't spread anywhere else.

Those on the scene fought the fire until the early morning hours on Tuesday, June 9th. The building was a total loss.

The Church itself had formed in 1901, but the building was dedicated in 1926. So, for nearly 100 years, this building had stood tall against anything thrown at it.

Information courtesy of the Cheyenne County Emergency Manager Ryan Murray and the History of St. Francis, Kansas Facebook page.