Council Grove Police Chief Shawn Wangerin captured the photo above shortly after arriving on the scene at Berean Baptist Church. Fire crews were dispatched at 11:13 a.m. on Wednesday after a passerby reported the fire. In addition to the Council Grove Fir
The fire department had a quick response to the fire but it is unknown how long the fire burned before being detected by a passerby It is assumed the church is a total loss.
Above photo, shows a view of some of the devastation caused by the fire at Berean Baptist Church. (Photo by Rebekah Kryger)
Firefighters can be seen in the doorway assessing the status of the fire. Water was pumped to the fire from the intersection of Huffaker and N. Mission. (Photo by Rebekah Kryger)
Council Grove Fire Department Lieutenant Zach Tyner takes a break after the Berean Baptist Church fire was extinguished. (Photo by Rebekah Kryger)
Members of the Berean Baptist Church responded during the crisis by setting up a table with snacks for the first responders, choosing to serve those who were serving them. (Photo by Shawn Wangerin)

Fire damages Berean Baptist Church

Thu, 03/19/2026 - 12:45pm

A Wednesday morning fire at 330 Huffaker St., the location of Berean Baptist Church in Council Grove, has left the building likely a total loss, according to church leadership.Council Grove fire crews were dispatched at 11:13 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, after a passerby reported a fire at the site.

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Council Grove Republican

P.O. Box 237

302 W. Main

Council Grove, KS 66846

Email: cgnews@cgtelco.net

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