The fire was discovered about two o’clock on the morning of January 23 by one of the teachers, who was startled by the crackling sound of the flames. Arousing her room-mate and looking out to make sure of the evidence, they discovered the flames and gave the alarm of “fire” to the household. It was set at the northwest corner of the church, facing toward the house, and when discovered the whole end was a sheet of flame. In an incredibly short space of time Mr. Crawford was throwing an acid stream from our “Babcock Extinguisher” into the devouring flames, but they had gained so great an advantage before discovery that the “Babcock” alone could not avail. The alarm boxes being out of order the tower bell could not be struck. The Hook and Ladder Company were early on hand, but had no fire buckets. When we found ourselves powerless to quench the consuming flames on the church, we turned our attention to the school building standing near. Danger to that did not seem great as the building was of brick, the night was still and damp and the engines had arrived. But thinking it better to err on the safe side, most of the movable furniture was carried out. Before this was fully accomplished, however, the cornice had caught and the flames rapidly spread over the roof, leaping higher and higher in mock derision of the little shower bath from the hose. Not until the roof had fallen and the flames had spread to all parts and our hopes were buried in despair, did the engines succeed in getting water enough to throw a respectable stream. Help delayed was unavailing. It seems almost incredible that our school building should burn down before our very eyes, under such circumstances. Was it an enemy did this foul deed? Who can tell? God only, who reads the hearts of men, can answer. The expressed sentiments of the best people of the city are in severe condemnation of the act, and a reward of $300 has been offered for the arrest and conviction of the incendiary.