Tag: Church Arson

US: Louisiana chapel damaged by fire and vandalism, suspects arrested

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(Photo courtesy Diocese of Alexandria Facebook page)

TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

COLUMBIA, La. — St. John Chapel in Columbia was burglarized, vandalized and intentionally set on fire last week, damaging the only Catholic church in Caldwell Parish, Louisiana according to a press release from the Diocese of Alexandria.

The incident occurred during the late evening hours of Thursday, March 26, or the early morning of Friday, March 27, the diocese said. No parishioners were present at the time, and no injuries were reported.

Local authorities confirmed that suspects have been identified and arrested in connection with the crime. Initial assessments indicate that portions of the church were desecrated during the incident, according to the release. Local media in Alexandria identify the suspects as a male 19, and a male, 20.

Alexandria Bishop Robert Marshall, Father Robert Johnson, the church’s pastoral administrator, and parishioners were on site Friday to cooperate with civil authorities and assess the extent of the damage.

“It is deeply unfortunate that this has occurred at any time,” Marshall said in the release, “but especially as we prepare to enter the most sacred season of Holy Week and Easter.”

The diocese said Masses will be celebrated each Sunday at 11:30 a.m. at the Winters Clinic, located next to Caldwell Memorial Hospital at 421 Main St. in Columbia, until further notice.

The Diocese of Alexandria expressed gratitude to first responders for their efforts in addressing the fire and securing the site.

A restoration fund has been established to assist with repair and recovery efforts and is available through the Diocese of Alexandria website at freedonationkiosk.com. The diocese asked the faithful to keep the St. John Chapel community in their prayers.

INTERNATIONAL: U.S. Church nearing end of restoration following arson

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AMY TURNER

A historic San Francisco, CA church, heavily damaged by a fire in March, is now just weeks away from reopening. However, recent heavy rains have presented new challenges, complicating the final stages of restoration.

St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church caught fire earlier this year, with flames engulfing the building by the time firefighters arrived. The fire crews focused on battling the blaze from outside to safely control the flames and protect a neighbouring business. The church, a crucial community space, has been undergoing significant repairs ever since.

The fire, which is believed to be an act of arson, left the congregation without a worship space for over two months. During this time, services have taken place outdoors, despite unpredictable and often poor weather conditions.

In addition to its role as a place of worship, St. John the Evangelist serves as a daytime refuge for people experiencing homelessness. The fire temporarily disrupted this vital service, forcing those who rely on the church’s shelter to seek alternatives while repairs were underway.

Despite these setbacks, the church’s leaders remain optimistic. They are determined to finalize the restoration in the coming weeks, aiming to reopen just in time for Christmas.

Ontario Man Awaits Sentencing This Week for First Nation Church Arson

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JEFF TURNER

A court will determine the fate of Emric Thompson next week in connection with a 2020 church fire at Saugeen First Nation.

Thompson faces sentencing on November 27 for burning the Church of Jesus Christ and damaging a worship pavilion with an all-terrain vehicle. The court found him guilty of both arson and mischief causing damage worth more than $5,000.

The incidents took place on September 28, 2020, during a period when several churches in the area experienced fire damage. Thompson stood trial for three separate church fires but was cleared of involvement in two cases. The court found him not guilty regarding the Saugeen Fellowship Baptist Church fire, while prosecutors dropped charges related to Wesley United Church due to lack of evidence.

Superior Court Justice Roger Chown will issue the sentence after hearing arguments from both sides. While arson carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison, Thompson’s sentence could range from probation to two years in custody. Prosecutors have asked for a period of probation lasting two years, plus 100 hours of community service after any jail term.

The sentencing hearing begins at 3 p.m. at the local courthouse.

Cause of Alberta church fire not yet determined

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STAFF

A church building in Alberta is a total loss following a fire this week, but was it intentionally set?

RCMP have been assigned to investigate a fire reported Thursday at The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Roman Catholic Church in Fort Chipewyan.  Some neighbors have speculated the fire could have been set intentionally because the church use to sit next to a residential school.

CBC has published photos of the fire HERE.

Only minor injuries were reported from as a result of the fire.

U.S.: Teen remains in custody following South Carolina church fire

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JEFF TURNER

A minor accused of making a video of himself setting a South Carolina church on fire will remain in juvenile jail pending a competency hearing.

The teen, whose name is not released because of his age, appeared before the York County Family Court Tuesday. He’s accused of causing at least $40,000 damage in May to the Catawba Chapel AME Zion Church. He is charged with second-degree arson, malicious damage to a house of worship, Larceny, and burglary.

The fire was investigated by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigations and local sheriff’s deputies. Officials have not said what they believe the teen’s motive was for setting the fire.