VIDEO/PHOTOS: A famed church in the Far South suburbs went up in flames Sunday afternoon. Around 2 p.m., nearly a dozen fire departments responded to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Beecher following reports of a massive blaze. Fire crews eventually extinguished the fire but the historic church was heavily damaged. Officials told WGN the fire may have started in the steeple. The church was hosting its annual Octoberfest. Todd Maehl told WGN News he was driving into town when he detoured down Church Street and noticed flames. “It was just an awful sight to see,” he said. Beecher resident Zachery Wehling said he lives down the road. “I’ve seen it many times. My grandparents are buried there,” he said. “It’s really sad seeing the church like this.” The Lutheran Church has deep roots in the Beecher community.