Memories of a 1914 church fire

To the editor:

Have you ever heard of a fire described as fantastic or beautiful? Neither have I. It seems fitting, however, in describing the fire that caused the complete loss of Centenary Methodist Church in 1914. No artist, I feel sure, could capture the real beauty of the stained-glass windows colored by the bright flames, leaving a memory never to fade nor a picture ever so beautiful.

Hardly does one stand in a bathtub to watch a fire, but when the tub is by a window and gives a direct view of the fire, I would agree that a front seat is exactly what you have.

The many sparks flying toward our house was a reminder of the Fourth of July, only with no joy but much fear.

Waiting for a fire wagon to arrive in 1914 was quite different from the arrival of several large firetrucks today. Water from a fire wagon was in less supply and less force, causing the loss of many homes.

Today it appears the cooperation and kindness of early days were of greater strength and showed deeper love. Remember that you will be glad and may even profit from it.

PAULA E. KEMPE, Cape Girardeau