Dewey Terrill, JC Post

ABILENE–FIre crews were called on Wednesday evening to a blaze at the old church that is home to the Great Plains Theater in Abilene. The facility is located at 300 N Mulberry.

Authorities on the scene reported the fire, that started at approximately 7 p.m,. grew and consumed the inside of the historic building.

Chancy Smith, the Director of Dickinson County Emergency, said that it appears that the building will be a total loss. “The roof is  completely gone from the structure. All of the beautiful stained glass windows are gone. The fire’s raging in the basement at this time. ( 8:30 p.m. ).”

Smith noted structures to both the west and north of the burning building were being protected.  ”Keeping all the spectators and stuff back about 50 yards. The heat’s that intense.”

Smith said the building was safely evacuated, and there were no injuries.

He reported in addition to the Great Plains Theatre, the City of Abilene also had a movie theater in the building that was operated during the week.  The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.