A fire broke out at one of the city’s most historic churches Tuesday afternoon knocking out power to the church building but leaving the physical plant basically intact.

A fire department crew that was doing routine fire hydrant inspections nearby spotted the smoke coming from the rear of Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel and responded immediately.

The fire was under control in short order with very little smoke and water damage to the sanctuary, according to a New Orleans Fire Department spokesman.

“Smoke was coming out of the back electrical room,” said Jonathan Pajeaud of the NOPD, who added that the electric panel and electrical room were “just about destroyed.”

Archdiocese spokeswoman Sarah Comiskey said that services normally held in the church building would be held in the rectory hall until full electrical services are restored.

She said the schedule of masses and other services wouldn’t be altered.

Pajeaud said that the fire department uses the church, and that on Memorial Day they put up an American flag at the chapel.

“The church has always been known as the firemen’s church,” Pajeaud said.

The Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel dates back to 1826, a quarter of a century before the present St. Louis Cathedral was built.

On Sept. 25, 1944 there was a fire that damaged the altar, sacristy and sanctuary, but in 1952 the church repaired the damages, as it was enlarged and refurbished.

For the last half century, it has been noted as a shrine dedicated to St. Jude.