The Johnson County Fire Protection District says someone intentionally set a fire at a 129-year-old church in Leeton on Monday, Oct. 20, and an arson investigation is underway.

Firefighters from the district and Warrensburg Fire Department responded to the fire at the Leeton United Methodist Church around 9:15 p.m., with heavy smoke and flames visible upon arrival. Crews initiated an aggressive interior and exterior attack, taking three hours to bring the fire under control. Despite extensive damage to the structure, the church remains standing, and crews were able to save some items from inside.

An initial investigation by the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s office into the origin and cause of the fire determined that the fire was intentionally set, prompting a continued investigation. Anyone with information about the fire is urged to come forward by calling the Missouri Arson Line at 1-800-39-ARSON or the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. A cash reward is available for information leading to an arrest.