A landmark church in downtown Rockford is nothing but smoldering remains after firefighters worked overnight to extinguish a raging fire that started Wednesday evening.
The Rockford Masonic Cathedral towered over the intersection of Kishwaukee, Walnut, and First Ave. on Rockford’s near east side since 1869. City officials confirm it has been abandoned for several years and didn’t currently have electricity. Most recently, it was known as the Metro Christian Centre, which offered services to homeless people.
Downtown Rockford was engulfed in black smoke that could be seen for miles as the fire quickly consumed the former church. It was first reported shortly before 7:00 Wednesday evening. Fire officials turned to people in the church’s neighborhood Wednesday night to see if anyone had seen any suspicious activity nearby. Anyone with information about the fire is urged to contact the Rockford fire department at 815-966-2900.