Photo: Janell Lynch

Back when KFAI was in Walker Church, I spent a lot of time there volunteering at the station in many capacities (and incapacities?), virtually lived there, it was just a few blocks down 16th Avenue from my house.   For many years, it was a locational focal point of my life.  Walker Church was home to so many organizations over the years, ranging from KFAI, Fresh Air Radio, up in the attic with the bats; a newspaper or two or three; incubator of activist organizations; providing sanctuary to refugees in danger; a meeting place for AA/ACOA in the basement; frequent theater and music events; free community meals; recently a meeting place for Occupy…  Walker Church has been the essence of COMMUNITY in Powderhorn, extending to Phillips.  With all the hate and hateful things going on now in the name of “Christ” and “Christianity,” now more then ever we need this example of what a church, and what “Christianity” is about — leadership, community, sanctuary, activism, advocacy, acceptance, and more.

Walker Church website

Early reports said it was a lightning strike, the STrib reports two men in a yellow truck were seen leaving on the run, taking furtive glances back… no official determination yet as to cause.

Now it’s gone.

A Brief History of Walker Church – Conrad DeFiebre

May it rise like the phoenix from the ashes… it’s done it before — we need Walker Church.

KFAI’s Report

IndyMmedia – WalkerChurch, hub of Mpls activist community, burns after lightning strike

Photos from St. Paul Pioneer Dispatch

STrib – 5 firefighters hurt battling blaze that destroyed Mpls church

STrib- Prayer Service this morning … (similar to above)

Info from the scanner

MPR photos & links

CBS Minnesota

Community Dinner at Walker Church

Monday, May 28 at 5:30 p.m

9:30 a.m. meeting about the barbeque and next steps

Walker Church had already planned on a barbeque for the community tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. and they have stated that it will go on as planned (at the site of the church).   Walker Church has been a sanctuary for many and has served the community for over 100 years.  Please attend both the meeting and the barbeque (5:30 at 31st & 16th) if you can.

Neeting at 9:30 a.m. to work on the barbeque & future of church: Living Spirit UMC, 45th and Bloomington.

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EMERGENCY MEETING RE WALKER CHURCH FIRE

EMERGENCY MEETING RE: WALKER CHURCH FIRE Monday, May 28 at 1 p.m. – Waite House, 2323 11th Ave S, Minneapolis

A number of community organizations including CUAPB, Welfare Rights Committee, MIRAC and others lost our offices, computers, records, etc. in a devastating fire that destroyed Walker Church. We are all now left scrambling for meeting space and other resources so that we can continue our important work. We (link) also want to help the Walker Church family–who does so much for the community–get back on their feet. Please attend this community meeting to be together and help us figure out how to start to move forward.