Historic Queen Street Baptist Church Destroyed by Fire

A fire early this morning reduced the historic Queen Street Baptist Church to rubble, leaving the congregation and the wider Baptist Association of Belize in mourning.

Residents of Eve Street awoke around 4:45 a.m. to see flames engulfing the wood-and-cement structure. Despite firefighters’ efforts, the church was completely destroyed, and the adjoining Queen Street Baptist School suffered water damage.

Founded in 1822, Queen Street Baptist Church is one of Belize City’s historic landmarks. Just last night, congregants gathered there for a meeting, unaware it would be the last.

The Baptist Association of Belize expressed its grief, stating, “Our Baptist Association of Belize Family woke up to the tragic news that our beloved Queen Street Baptist Church was totally destroyed by fire. It’s a very sad day, but we know the Lord got us.”

Pastor Lloyd Stanford, Sister Nancy Stanford, and the church community are receiving an outpouring of support, with the association assuring them, “We have you all in our thoughts and prayers. Know that we are here to support you.”

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

Classes for over 100 students at the adjoining school were cancelled.