Indianapolis, IN – A devastating fire tore through The Sanctuary on Penn, a historic church-turned-wedding and event venue, in downtown Indianapolis early on December 24. The blaze, which was reported at approximately 5:30 a.m., sent large plumes of smoke into the sky and flames tearing through the structure located near North Pennsylvania and East Walnut streets.
Firefighters arrived on the scene shortly after the alarm was raised, battling the intense flames as they quickly spread through the building. By 6:45 a.m., most of the visible fire had been contained, though crews continued to spray water onto the building to prevent further damage. News crews at the scene captured images of the destruction, with smoke billowing into the early morning sky.
According to Indianapolis Fire Department Battalion Chief Rita Reith, no injuries were reported, and the building was unoccupied at the time of the fire. Firefighters successfully prevented the flames from spreading to nearby buildings, avoiding further damage to the surrounding area.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, as authorities work to determine the circumstances behind the early morning blaze.
The Sanctuary on Penn, originally known as Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church, was an iconic venue that had been repurposed for weddings and events. Built in 1875, the church was renowned for its traditional, ornate exterior and its interior design, which was inspired by ancient Roman ruins. The church was historically significant as it housed Indianapolis’ first Lutheran congregation. In 1978, Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Following the fire, several streets around the venue, including Pennsylvania Street, were closed to traffic as firefighters worked to secure the area. Local officials are expected to provide further updates as the investigation into the cause of the fire continues.
The loss of the historic church marks a significant blow to the city’s cultural and architectural heritage, as The Sanctuary on Penn was a beloved landmark in downtown Indianapolis.
