Knox Presbyterian Church Fire - Stratford, ON
Posted by: 
stinger503
N 43° 22.304 W 080° 58.789
17T E 501634 N 4802097
Memorial for a tragedy at Knox Presbyterian Church
Waymark Code: WMVCZ2
Location: Ontario, Canada
Date Posted: 04/02/2017
Views: 0
This memorial is located at the side of Knox Presbyterian Church in Stratford, Ontario alongside Waterloo Street South.
"TRAGEDY ATTENDS A MORNING FIRE"
During a storm at approximately 12:45 a.m. on May 13th, 1913, the famous spire of Knox Presbyterian Church was struck by a great bolt of lightning. The spire was set ablaze, resulting in a tragedy unlike any experienced before by our city's first responders.
At 1:30 a.m., Fire Chief Hugh Durkin (41), Police Chief John Augustus McCarthy (67), and Constable Matthew Hamilton (46), were moving and securing a ladder on the west side of the church when part of the steeple collapsed, striking and killing all three.
On the 100th anniversary of that tragic event, the community remembers the sacrifice made by these brave and selfless heroes.
The memorial was placed May 13, 2013.
The building was almost completely lost except for a Sunday School area that had been added in 1907, this area continues to be used today. The church was rebuilt and reopened on Sunday, March 21st, 1915. Total cost of the damage and rebuilding was $95,000.
Disaster Date: 05/13/1913
Date of dedication: 05/13/2013
Memorial Sponsors: City of Stratford, Stratford Fire Department, Stratford Police, Stratford Heritage
Disaster Type: Natural
Relevant Website: [Web Link]
Parking Coordinates: Not Listed
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