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FDNY officials say the fire started on the first floor of a vacant 5-story building on East Seventh Street in the East Village around 5 a.m.
As the fire developed, it spread to Middle Collegiate Church located at 112 Second Avenue, behind the original building.
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The Citizen app video near the stage shows the wild flames.
More than 100 firefighters respond to the incident.
The 5-story building where the fire started was vacant due to a fire earlier in the year on February 20.
Meanwhile, the church involved in the fire was built in 1892 and has been linked to key historical events in American history.
“Sadly, it looks like it was pretty bad – the shrine is not in good shape and we have some beautiful Tiffany stained glass that is missing,” Middle Collegiate Church Minister Amanda Ashcraft said. “Horribly sad day for our congregation and for this neighborhood.”
Firefighters try to save the steeple. The church houses around 1,300 worshipers.
Ashcraft arrived on the scene just after the church caught fire.
“God is crying here with us too, it’s not something that makes God happy – not part of God’s plan and God will be here with us as we rebuild from this point on,” Ashcraft said.
There is no word yet on what started the fire.
Officials say there were no injuries and operations are underway. About 44 units and 198 members work on the premises.
St. Mark’s Place from Second Avenue to E Sixth Street and E Seventh Street from First Avenue to Second Avenue are closed to traffic.
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