Fire destroys Clayborn Temple, historic Memphis church with ties to MLK and Civil Rights Movement

A historic Black church in downtown Memphis that was the organizing point for Martin Luther King Jr.'s final campaign in 1968 caught fire early Monday morning and suffered significant damage.

"The inside is a total loss, but we're still somewhat hopeful that some of the facade will be able to be left standing," Memphis Fire Chief Gina Sweat said at a Monday morning news conference. She said the fire was reported at 1:39 a.m. through a commercial alarm service. Local fire and police officers are investigating the cause, along with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 

It is "way too early" to know anything more, Sweat said, adding that the investigation is going to take some time due to the significant damage.