June 6, 2000
Fire Investigation
Investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobbaco and Firearms are calling in a national response team to piece together what could have started last night's fire at the Tongan United Methodist Church in Salt Lake.
The fire that ripped through the church started just before 9:00 p.m., leaving the building a complete wreck by morning.
Tonight 20 A.T.F. investigators are flying to Utah to help in the investigation into what caused the fire.
They're part of a national response team who will meet with Salt Lake Fire investigators. They call this fire a "sensitive case."
Jeff Sarnacki/Alcohol, Tobacco & Fire: "We'll interview everybody and anybody. And if anyone knows anything about this fire, they are to call the fire department with information about that."
Salt Lake City A.T.F. agents say because of the extensive damage they could be on scene investigating for as long as two weeks.
Church History
The Tongan United Methodist Church is more than just a building -- it has a long history in the community, and has inspired a lot of fond memories for many people.
Before the Tongan congregation took it over it was called, "Grace United Methodist Church."
News Specialist Jill Atwood spoke today with a woman who attented the very first service there back in 1921.
Anne Thomas/Former Church Member: "I WAS SIX YEARS OLD. I GREW UP IN THERE. I HAD EVERY KIND OF A JOB TO HAVE THERE, I GUESS."
The memories returned slowly at first, but once they did,
it didn't take long for Anne Thomas to laugh and cry over old times.
She knew the church as Grace United Methodist, built back in 1921. She worshipped there for 54 yeas. The congregation was like a second family.
Anne Thomas/Former Church Member: "THE BASEMENT HAD A CEMENT FLOOR AND THEY USED TO LET US GO ROLLERSKATE IN THERE. WE HAD A GREAT TIME THERE. IT WAS WONDERFUL."
Later on Anne taught Sunday school,
watched her only son get married there, and eventually filled the sanctuary with beautiful music every weekend.
Anne Thomas: "ONE OF OUR MEMBERS GOT A FUND TOGETHER TO BUY AN ORGAN AND WE BOUGHT AN ORGAN. SO I BECAME THE ORGANIST OF THE CHURCH AND I PLAYED THERE UNTIL WE LEFT."
That was September 21st, 1975-- Grace Church's last service.
Months later, it became The Tongan United Methodist Church.
Anne Thomas: "I REMEMBER THEY ALL WORE THEIR NATIVE CLOTHES AND HAD BANNERS, AND THEY MARCHED FROM FIRST METHODIST OVER VIOLET TO THE CHURCH. AND THE MAYOR AND THE GOVERNOR WERE THERE, AND IT WAS QUITE AN EVENT."
Needless to say, watching flames devour the old church was like losing an old friend.
Anne Thomas: "I'M GONNA REALLY MISS SEEING THAT WHEN I GO OVER THAT WAY. I DO QUITE OFTEN. I HOPE THEY CAN REBUILD IT."
Church members are not sure where they will hold services next week, but they are holding a meeting tonight at the Unuiaki Ol' Tonga building right across the street from the church to discuss where the Tongan Community goes from here.
That meeting is from 7:00 - 9:00.
