The church was a large brick, stone and wood structure with a slate roof. The interior was wood lath and plaster. It was built to replace the church that burned down in 1912. It was in the end stages of two year renovation when the fire struck. The building consisted of the main church, a west wing made up of a consultation room and large parish hall, an east wing made up of school class rooms. The kitchen and dining hall were located under the parish hall. There was a newly renovated chapel and storage rooms under the main church.
The temperature was around 35 degrees with a wind blowing around 10mph. There were no exposure problems as the wind was blowing away from the nearest houses.
Eight hoselines were utilized during the fire. During the height of the fire four aerial ladders were used during the battle. Braintree’s Ladder was on the “B” side of the building over the main church, Weymouth set up over the parish hall and Randolph set up on the “D” side by Stedman Ave. Quincy Ladder 1 set up at the rear of the church.
Many of the priceless stained-glass windows were damaged or destroyed by heat. Two Tiffany windows that were dedicated in 1913 were totally destroyed. The $30,000 pipe organ was also destroyed. There was heavy water damage to the chapel downstairs. The chapel’s new electric organ was also badly damaged.
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water cascades down the front steps
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Tiffany windows destroyed in fire
The Bible from the pulpit was saved from destruction by FF Harry Belyea who ran into the church to grab it when he first got on scene. Reverend Dr. Workman was able to save some of the church records, but was forced out by smoke. He was recently named Fire Department Chaplain. This was the first fire he responded to.
The fire started in a cockloft above the choir loft and was believed to have been due to defective wiring.
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the cockloft where fire started
Braintree Engine 5 took a 2 ½ inch line through the front door up to the rear of the sanctuary.
Braintree Engine 3 took a 2 ½ inch to the same location as E5 and also had a line up Braintree Ladder 1.
Braintree Engine 1 took a 2 ½ inch line into the parish hall.
Holbrook Engine 1 had a line into a deluge gun at the front of the church.
Weymouth Engine 3 had a 2 ½ inch line through windows on the east side of the church.
Randolph Engine 5 used a 2 ½ inch line over Randolph Ladder to the roof of the east side of the church.
Braintree Ladder 1 made a hole in the roof on the northwest side at the ridge pole.
Randolph Ladder 1 made a hole in the roof on the northeast side of the ridge pole.
Weymouth Ladder 2 was at the west side of the parish hall.
Quincy Ladder 1 was at the north side rear of the church.
Quincy Engine 1 covered headquarters while Weymouth Engine 2 covered the East Braintree station. The all out was sounded at 11:44am.
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Braintree Ladder 1 - note bend in aerial
Weymouth Ladder 2 at Parish Hall
Damage to Parish Hall and consultation room
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