Officials say Johnson County church intentionally set on fire

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

An arson investigation is underway after officials say a church in Johnson County was intentionally set on fire on Monday night.

The Johnson County Fire Protection District wrote in a Tuesday morning press release that Leeton United Methodist Church in the 100 block of North Wall Street was set ablaze.

Crews were called around 9:15 p.m. Monday and saw heavy smoke and flames coming from the 129-year-old church, the release says. The building remains standing after firefighters spent three hours putting out the fire, the release says.  

The Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office investigated and determined the fire was intentionally started, though additional details weren’t included in the press release.

“It’s heartbreaking to see a place that has stood for generations be deliberately set on fire,” JCFPD Capt. Joe Jennings said in the release. “This church isn’t just a building; it’s part of the history and identity of Leeton. Seeing it damaged in this way is difficult for the entire community.”