The defiant vicar of a historic church London completely destroyed in a “heartbreaking fire” on Friday said: “We are still here for the community.”
Plumes of smoke were spotted for miles around as St Mark’s in St John’s Wood was “completely destroyed” in the inferno.
Videos on social media showed the spire being gutted and flames bursting out of the windows as the fire took hold at 11.19pm on Thursday.
Vicar Kate Harrison, who took over St Mark’s congregation in 2015, told the Standard she was evacuated from her home in the vicarage and watched on helplessly as the flames took hold.
She said: “The firefighters were absolutely amazing and they worked so hard. I’m really touched by the amount of effort they put in for this building, they were so kind and wonderful.”
Through tears, she said: “I’m absolutely heartbroken. That building has served the Christian community for 175 years it’s our base where we have been reaching out, helping people, loving people.
“It’s a wonderful beacon of hope and to see it suffer in crushing devastation is completely heartbreaking.
“But it is a building, not the church. The church is the people and our work will carry on, our love will carry on.
“We are still here for the area.”
One witness described watching the flames grow “before the roof caved in”.
Local Shohaib Shah, 21, told the Standard: “I could see lots of smoke covering the street, orange light in the sky and emergency services going around the corner.
“I could see a building on fire. Every few minutes, the flames would be getting slightly bigger with smoke just billowing out. There was another onlooker standing next to me who said ‘It’s like Grenfell all over again’.”
He added: “Due to my faith, I’m not someone who ever used the church but it felt like a landmark in the area and was always great to walk past. The community will definitely miss its presence.”
The cause of the fire, which is now under control, is not yet known.
No injuries have been reported, London Fire Brigade (LFB) said.
Another Video- Major #fire is tearing through the historic St Mark's Church in St John's Wood, north #London pic.twitter.com/jYRryVEbiS
— Chaudhary Parvez (@ChaudharyParvez) January 27, 2023
Firefighters doused the building using two 111ft ladders and one standing 209ft, the tallest of its kind in Europe. The inside is completely gutted and crews were seen this morning carrying out some artefacts they managed to salvage.
Resident Gabby Lyons said: “People were running and scared - old people, children with pets. It was utter horror. Flames were shooting high in the air. “It’s a tragedy. The church was beautiful and part of the community.”
Christopher Mitchell, 42, added: “I went outside and could feel the heat. There were people going door to evacuating neighbours. They were real heroes. We are all reeling over this.”
Tariq Osman, 52, said: “We heard someone shouting and then blue lights from emergency vehicles filled the street. The fire was so intense, it looked like it would sizzle along the street. The firefighters did an amazing job.”
Shohaib Shah, 21, spoke of “smoke covering the street, orange light in the sky”, adding: “Every few minutes, the flames would be getting slightly bigger. There was another onlooker standing next to me who said ‘It’s like Grenfell all over again’.”
Scotland Yard said the cause of the fire “is under investigation”.
A Met spokesman said: “Some nearby addresses were evacuated as a precaution. They were later allowed to return home.
“No reports of any injuries.”
The LFB said it used three ladders, including the tallest in Europe at 64 metres, as towers to distribute water evenly and extinguish the blaze.
The National Churches Trust had listed St Mark’s as a grade II Victorian church, describing it as an “architectural and historical treasure” which finished construction between 1846 and 1847.
It contained “stunning” mosaics by the Salviati family as well as highly decorative marble flooring in the chancel, with the overall Gothic-styled design the work of architect Thomas Cundy Junior.
Our healing service starts at 6pm. All are welcome. pic.twitter.com/hHUjCDxgV6
— St Mark's NW8 (@StMark_HT) March 13, 2022
It was located near Abbey Road Studios and Lord’s Cricket Ground, and had links to author Lewis Carroll and Queen Victoria’s son Prince Leopold.
The vicar has been hosting comedy shows at the church called Have I Got Pews For You.
Cllr Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council, tweeted: “Heartbreaking to see the damage at the beautiful St Mark’s Church @StMark_HT after last night’s fire. Thoughts with Rev Kate Harrison & congregation at this difficult time for St John’s Wood. @CityWestminster has been at the scene all night & we will do what we can do help”
