Damage to the interior of Anchor Covenant Church in Lake Geneva. Anchor Covenant Church photo
Anchor Covenant Church photo

LAKE GENEVA — Anchor Covenent Church in Lake Geneva will hold a drive-by prayer vigil Wednesday evening following a Monday evening fire.

The fire was contained to the ceiling and interior walls, and through the efforts of firefighters, numerous irreplaceable stained-glass windows were saved.

The drive-by prayer service is planned for Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. at Anchor’s front Park Row Entrance.

Due to the extreme cold temperatures and icy conditions safety is a priority.

When you drive by you will be briefly welcomed by Pastor Melissa Wall or some of your Anchor Family, where you will receive a printed prayer.

Church leaders invite you to drive or park throughout the neighborhood and surround the church with prayer.

The Lake Geneva Fire Department was dispatched about 9:30 p.m. Monday to a report of a structure fire at Anchor Covenant Church, 1229 Park Row.

Based upon information received by the Telecommunicator, a structure fire response was dispatched to include the Town of Delavan, Town of Linn, Town of Lyons and Elkhorn Fire Departments on the initial alarm, according to a news release from the Lake Geneva Fire Department.

The first responding engine arrived on scene within minutes. Firefighters reported a working structure fire with fire emitting from the streetside roof and began aggressive offensive suppression efforts.

Damage to the interior of Anchor Covenant Church in Lake Geneva. Anchor Covenant Church photo
Damage to the interior of Anchor Covenant Church in Lake Geneva. Anchor Covenant Church photo

The alarm was elevated to the second alarm level due to the magnitude of the fire, building construction, and extremely low outdoor temperatures.

Mutual aid companies from numerous Walworth, Racine, Kenosha and McHenry Counties responded and assisted with suppression and salvage operations. In total, 7 engines, 6 ladder trucks, 5 squads, 7 ambulances, and 9 Chiefs responded.

This is in addition to an engine and ambulance company covering the Lake Geneva station.

Fire damage was limited to concealed ceiling spaces and interior wall areas. Through coordinated efforts, numerous irreplaceable stained-glass windows were preserved.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. No criminal activity is suspected.

No injuries were reported.



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By Staff Report

Walworth County Community News