Historic Original Chalybeate Church Building Lost in Fire

Firefighters work at the scene of a structure fire at the old Chalybeate Church building.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
An historic building was lost yesterday in a fire in the Chalybeate community.

Firefighters were called to the scene of the old Chalybeate Church building on KY HWY 3611 on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 around 2:40PM. The building was mostly overtaken with flames and smoke when firefighters arrived.

Firefighters work at the scene of a structure fire at the old Chalybeate Church building.

Firefighters work at the scene of a structure fire at the old Chalybeate Church building.

Firefighters work at the scene of a structure fire at the old Chalybeate Church building.

The structure, which was built in 1913, was originally known as Chalybeate Sunday School Chapel, and was home to four different church denominations: Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Christian Church. Each denomination held services there one Sunday per month. 

Over time, three of the denominations left and started individual churches of their own and the Baptists remained in the building. Chalybeate Missionary Baptist Church was officially organized in 1940 and later became Chalybeate United Baptist Church in 1956. The church built a new facility on Chalybeate School Road where services have been held since 2004.

The building was purchased a couple years ago by Scott and Michelle Skaggs. The former sanctuary portion of the building was used for a photography studio and the rear portion, originally used for Sunday School rooms, was a woodworking shop run by Eric Skaggs. 

Firefighters work at the scene of a structure fire at the old Chalybeate Church building.

A ladder truck from Alvaton Fire Department at the scene.

The original building in 1913.

The building was a total loss. Responding to the scene were the Chalybeate, Brownsville, Wingfield, Rocky Hill, Bear Creek, and Lincoln Fire Departments in addition to the Smiths Grove and Alvaton Fire Departments, along with the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office. Gas, water, and electric companies were also on scene to disconnect services during the fire.

Those on the scene said the fire most likely started from an electrical issue in the shop portion of the building. No one was in the building at the time and no injuries were reported.