Hastings, NE First Presbyterian Church Fire, Sept 1910

BIG CHURCH IS DESTROYED

LOSS ESTIMATED AT OVER EIGHTY THOUSAND DOLLARS.

FIREMAN CRUSHED BY WALL.

F. W. Ramey Killed When Structure Caved IN - Son About to Leave for Oxford, England.

HASTINGS, Neb., Sept. 25. - Fire totally destroyed the First Presbyterian church of this city today. F. W. Ramey, a fireman, was killed by being buried beneath a falling wall. The fire broke out about 5:20 p. m. and all efforts of the fire department to save the building were fruitless. Ramey, who had approached too close to the structure after it had been thoroughly gutted by fire, was unable to escape a wall which fell on him, killing him instantly.

The loss is estimated at $80,000, only $20,000 being covered by insurance. The building was erected in 1888 at a cost of $35,000, and the furniture was valued at $50,000. The church has a membership of over 700 and a movement for reconstruction has already been started. The board of trustees is in session at present, and, in all probabilities, will authorize the beginning of a new building at once. The building which was destroyed was one of the finest religious edifices in Nebraska.

William Ramey, son of the fireman who was killed, was to leave Monday for Oxford, England, where he intended to enter Oxford university. He is the Rhodes scholar from Nebraska. It is probable that this departure will have to be delayed for a day or two on account of the death of his father.

The Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln, NE 26 Sept 1910
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Transcribed by Jenni Lanham.