Little Portion becomes littler -- John Michael Talbot was making a trip to the john late Monday night and an unnaturally bright light coming from the original cedar chapel alarmed him. It was too little, too late. Though units responded quickly from Eureka Springs, Eagle Rock, Mo. and Berryville to support the Holiday Island Fire Department, the chapel and an adjoining building, which housed a library, were a total loss! Photos by Phil Hollenbeck

  A fire started by creosote build-up in a chapel chimney has ravaged the Brothers and Sisters at Little Portion Hermitage and Retreat Center.

  Fire fighters from Holiday Island, Berryville, Eureka Springs and Eagle Rock, Mo., responded to a call at 12:47 a.m. Tuesday but were unable to save two burning structures.

  No one was injured, according to Little Portion Retreat Center manager Peggy Lodewyks, but the fire, which was fully involved by the time fire fighters arrived, began in the Charity Chapel designed by E. Fay Jones, the main worship space for the Catholic religious community.

  It spread quickly through a covered walkway to the Common Center, a building housing the main dining and meeting rooms, offices and library, as well as to the bell tower. Both buildings were a total loss.

  The Common Center housed the hermitage's offices, library and product storage area. All contents were lost, including office equipment and supplies and kitchen supplies.

  Lost in the chapel were the retreat's vestments, liturgy books and other ritual supplies.

  Founder John Michael Talbot spotted the fire and sounded the alarm. He and a handful of others tried unsuccessfully to douse the blaze.

  Lodewyks said the water hoses were melted by the heat as the residents attempted to put out the fire.

  Lodewyks said fire investigators determined that no negligence was involved in causing the fire.

  Lodewyks wanted the public to know the order's chickens were fine. The hermitage operates a thriving poultry farm.

  She said Talbot, a major Catholic recording artist, still planned to perform for the National Day of Prayer Wednesday in Berryville at the fairgrounds, and a thanksgiving mass was planned for Thursday at 1 p.m.

  She said a Sunday mass will be held Sunday at the Portincula bungalow.

  The chapel, bell tower, and commons center will be rebuilt, Lodewyks added, but from stone next time.

  Lodewyks said the hermitage wished to extend its thanks to the fire departments involved.

  She asked the public to contribute to replacing lost equipment and supplies.

  The number for the Brothers and Sisters at Little Portion Hermitage is (479) 253-7710.