Bronx Church Blaze Ravages Historic West Farms Landmark
A fire tore through a historic Bronx church Monday afternoon, drawing a massive emergency response and raising concerns over the future of a community landmark.
The flames broke out around 4 p.m. at the Beck Memorial Presbyterian Church, a long-vacant but still iconic structure located in the heart of West Farms. The fire quickly escalated to a two-alarm, sending over 100 firefighters rushing to the scene.
The building, known for its architectural beauty and historical status, suffered extensive damage.
Upon arrival, units found heavy fire in the rear of the church. Our units moved in very aggressively with hose lines in an attempt to extinguish the fire from the inside. We encountered many hazards, like holes in the floors, and also some ceilings started to collapse as they were moving in with the lines.
At this point, the Incident Commander advised everyone to evacuate the building and we used exterior streams to complete the final phases of extinguishment,” said Deputy Assistant Chief Mike Woods.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported. However, the extent of the damage has left local residents and preservationists deeply concerned. The church, which held landmark status, had stood as a quiet witness to the borough’s evolving story.
Locals watched in disbelief as smoke billowed into the sky. For many, it wasn’t just a building — it was a symbol of West Farms’ heritage.
While the structure had been unoccupied for some time, it remained a point of pride for those who grew up in the neighbourhood. Several residents recalled attending community events there years ago.
Fire Marshals are now working to uncover the cause of the blaze. Whether it was accidental or something more sinister remains to be seen.
This incident follows a troubling trend of historic buildings falling victim to fires in recent years, often while awaiting renovation or reuse.
For now, the Beck Memorial Presbyterian Church stands blackened and battered — a haunting silhouette of what once was. The community, though shaken, remains hopeful that answers will come soon.
