Late at night on Sunday, Feb.19, a three-alarm fire started at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church on Telegraph Avenue near West MacArthur Boulevard. 

Firefighters responded to the blaze at around 10:45 p.m. using multiple ladder trucks to extinguish the flames. 

They fought the fire for several hours until they were able to contain it. 

Fire Damage

According to Michael Hunt, a spokesperson for the Oakland Fire Department, the fire started outside a kitchen on a porch entrance that the church uses to prepare around 300 meals a week for people in need. 

The Grio reported that the fire quickly spread to the roof after reaching the eaves. 

There were no people inside the church when the fire broke out. 

However, according to Pastor Rodney Smith's TikTok video shared on Facebook, a considerable part of the structure was lost.

Smith stated that the church's interior was destroyed and that only the high walls remained standing. 

Remarkably, a cross located in the center of the church also remained unharmed.

According to a report by the NBC Bay Area, in the video shot at the scene, Smith emphasized that First African Methodist Episcopal Church was the oldest Black church in the East Bay.

It was also the first school for people of color in California when only white children were allowed to attend public schools. 

He furthered that the church has a rich history of educating Black and brown people, starting schools, sending children to college, feeding the community, and helping the homeless. 

Moreover, the church has been a community hub for various activities and services.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is investigating the incident, but the fire department stated that it does not seem to be suspicious. 

Rebuilding Efforts

On Monday morning, Feb. 20, members of Brookins AME Church in East Oakland held a special service.

During the service, they welcomed Smith and other elders from the First African Methodist Episcopal Church after the devastating fire that destroyed the church. 

Approximately 100 individuals gathered to sing and pray for them, and Bishop Clement Fugh ensured the attendees that leaders would rebuild First African Methodist Episcopal Church. 

The congregation started a special collection, and many people gave $100 or more to help with the church's reconstruction.

According to their GoFundMe, after completing a thorough evaluation of the destruction, they are ready to reconstruct the church to be even stronger and better than its previous state. 

Moreover, according to Smith, the community, which included churchgoers, clergies from neighboring churches, and other community members, reached out and visited to offer their support in the hours after the fire.

After the Brookins AME church service, Oakland City Council member Carroll Fife stated that she intends to talk with Mayor Sheng Thao and her council colleagues.

The oldest Black church in Oakland and the East Bay, the First African Methodist Episcopal Church, is a significant pillar in the community.

Having said this, Fife emphasized the importance of preserving it despite the fire being a big blow.

Moreover, Fife wanted to discuss continuing the feeding programs at the church, which is in her district.

 

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