On this date in 1989, a three-alarm fire gutted Fargo’s historic Gethsemane Cathedral, destroying much of the building and its prized organ while leaving only parts like Emery Hall potentially salvageable.

Here is the complete story as it appeared in the paper that day:

By John Sundvor, MINNESOTA EDITOR

A three-alarm fire raced through Fargo’s historic Gethsemane Cathedral Tuesday, leaving in its wake a smoldering hulk that some in the congregation say may never be restored.

The Very Rev. Frank H. Clark, dean of the cathedral at 204 9th St. S., stood in an east parking lot, watching flames eat his church and said he did not feel good: “It makes me sick to my stomach.”

The fire started shortly before noon, apparently in an area at the rear of the church.

Susan Forness, a secretary wit

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