MADISON, Ind. (WDRB) — The City of Madison plans to rebuild the historic Trinity United Methodist Church after a fire tore through the building Monday night.
In a news release Tuesday, the City of Madison Fire Department said crews were dispatched on a report of a golf cart fire with nearby structures exposed and possible extension into the church.
Firefighters arrived within three minutes and encountered "active fire conditions."
Officials said crews deployed multiple handlines to the second floor in an aggressive interior attack.
IMAGES | Large fire burns at historic church in Madison, Indiana
But due to how the building was constructed and deteriorating fire conditions, firefighters had to begin defensive operations. The south second-floor wall and a large portion of the roof collapsed. The north wall also partially collapsed.
Officials said an attached garage belonging to a neighboring home suffered major damage due to the collapse.
"While this is a difficult moment for our community, Madison is resilient," Madison Mayor Bob Courtney said in a social media post. "The steeple is still standing, and together, we will rebuild this church and support one another through the days ahead."
Officials are still assessing damage and working to restore power to the area. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
No civilians or firefighters were injured in the fire.
"It's a hurt for everybody, not only the church members," said Terri Suiter, a member of the church. "It's a hurt for the community and for the people that come to visit here."
Submitted footage shows flames burning on the roof and heavy smoke pouring out for hours. Heavy smoke still covered the downtown Madison area throughout Monday night as crews continued working to get the fire under control.
Crews battle a fire at Trinity United Methodist Church on Monday, May 11, 2026. (Photo submitted by Jazlynn Perry)
The smoke could be seen from miles away.
While multiple fire agencies battled the flames, the local community quickly came together to help those in need and first responders. A bridal shop in Madison posted on social media that members of the community helped move hundreds of dresses to another church in case the fire spread further. Analog Coffee & Records also posted that they planned to stay open all night so emergency workers could get whatever they needed.
"It kind of became a place for them to rest for a little white,"Â said Noah Wright, owner of Analog Coffee & Records.
The City of Madison said in a social media post that Broadway Street will remain closed between 3rd and Main streets until further notice because of the fire. Access within the closed area will be limited to residents and business owners only.
A detour is in place using West and Mill streets to Vaughn Drive.
Trinity United Methodist Church is the tallest building in Madison. The cornerstone was laid Sept. 9, 1872, and the first service was held in 1873 before construction was finished.
The bell was given to the church in 1949 and hoisted through the ceiling. The bell tower stands 212 feet tall.
Inside the church was an electric organ with 2,384 pipes that had been installed in 1990. Courtney said the organ is irreplaceable and valued around $1 million.
"Every part of the church was beautiful," Suiter said. "The windows, the arches on the inside, the organ, everything. It was a wonderful place to worship."
The church had ongoing construction, but it's unclear whether that played any role in the fire. A social media post of Sunday's service shows the church ceiling was undergoing construction.
The steeple is still standing and continues to house the bell tower.
The community rallied together Monday as the fire ripped through the historic landmark, but there's hope for what can come from the ashes.
"We just do what we can with what we got," Rev. Doug Walker said. "It's not mighty but it's who we are."
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