Firefighters from five departments unsuccessfully battle a blaze at the Mapleton Church on Friday evening in Mapleton. The fire, which started about 5:30 p.m., destroyed the non-denominational church. (photos by Adam Gerik / Journal Star)

I've been to quite a few fires in my time as a photojournalist. There's a distinct odor that make the flames almost unnecessary for comprehension; a horrific mixture of burning wood, plastic and irreplaceable items. This particular one happened several weeks ago and destroyed a 130-year-old church in a town of only several hundred. Firefighters tried to stop the flames but were no match for dry and ancient timber. I arrived relatively quickly, witnessing the steeple sag and eventually fall off the church. The city's mayor saved a parishioner who passed out from the smoke, making this story a little more unusual.

Such a stunning scene.