Neighbors frustrated after historic Carondolet church gutted by fire

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - A fire has destroyed Quinn Chapel AME, a historic church, a frustration for nearby residents who have been concerned about the property.

Quinn Chapel AME was listed on the National of Historic Places for more than 50 years. The registry describes it as one of the oldest African American congregations in the area.

“Throughout the years, this church has been the focal point for many worthwhile activities in the black community,” it notes. “Furthermore, the structure is one of the few extant buildings originally commissioned by the once independent city of Carondelet, Missouri.”

Founded in the 19th century, the church played a significant role in the local African American community and was part of the broader AME Church movement, which provided religious and social to Black communities during and after the Reconstruction era.

Lizzie Harrison, who runs the Emmanuel SDA Food Pantry across the street, said she had hoped to see the church reopen someday.

“It’s sad to see a wonderful historic site burned down like that,” she said. “I understand and believe how important it is to the community. It has a great heritage.”

Kyla Oudshoorn, President of the Carondelet Neighborhood Association, said the building had been of concern for the last few years due to reports of break-ins and unauthorized entry.

“We need more drug treatment, more beds, more mental health services. Addressing these issues is important,” Oudshoorn said. “Letting people do something like this is just criminal, to me.”

Alderwoman Anne Schweitzer told FirstAlert4 that city officials had tried to stabilize the structure.

“The goal has been to secure it and make sure nothing happens to it. It’s devastating to see that it burned this weekend,” she said.

Efforts to the church’s former congregation have been unsuccessful, however.

“The congregation istratively dissolved in 2019. Now it’s figuring out how to get them to pay taxes or move it to a tax sale,” Schweitzer explained.

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