ST. LOUIS – It was once a staple in north St. Louis, but now crews are tearing down the historical St. Augustine Church.
The remainder of the old historical church is set to be entirely demolished on Friday.
The demolition process started back in mid-March, after the most recent alarm three fire drew around 65 firefighters to the scene.
As flames engulfed the inside of what once was a structural masterpiece, that very same night crews prepared for the worst, calling it a potential collapse zone.
This church has been the scene of two other fires. Back in 2022, a fire broke out while the building was under renovation for a non-profit project.
All three fires happened within the span of two years. St. Louis City Fire Chief Jenkerson says many unhoused individuals would seek shelter here and could have accidentally started the fire.
Premiere demolition has already removed the most hazardous parts of this 126-year-old structure. On Friday, they’ll await the arrival of salvage contractors before dismantling the rest of the church, including the steeple.
