St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church fire. (Doylesburg, Pa.)
Church destroyed by fire in Northern Franklin County....
September 11, 2011|By C.J. LOVELACE | [email protected]
DOYLESBURG, Pa. — By the time Fannett-Metal Fire Chief Sam Peterson arrived, Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church was fully engulfed in flames early Sunday.
“There was fire everywhere — through the roof, out the windows,” Peterson said. “It was everywhere.”
No one was injured in the fire, Peterson said. The call for the fire, at 21169 Cross Road, came in at 3:40 a.m. Sunday, according to Franklin County Emergency Services.
Peterson was unsure of the cause of the fire, but said a Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal and officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were on the scene about 8:15 a.m., when fire units cleared.
Doylesburg is in a rural area about 50 minutes north of Chambersburg, Pa., and northwest of Shippensburg, Pa.
Peterson came back to the scene to check for hot spots at about 11 a.m. Sunday, where numerous church members were congregating and taking photos of the still-standing brick shell of the building.
Church member Roseann Miller of Dry Run, Pa., said she heard the news from the congregation’s phone chain alert system.
“Those who were able to get here came right away. Others have been coming through the rest of the day,” Miller said. “I’ve been a member since 1988, and it just feels like we lost a family member.”
The church, believed to be built in the 1850s, began as a log cabin before the current brick building was erected, Peterson said.
The roof and all the windows of the church were destroyed in the fire, leaving nothing but charred remains inside. An addition to the rear of the church was relatively unharmed, but there were plans to renovate it in the near future, said church member Barb Goshorn of Spring Run, Pa.
“It was one of the oldest churches in Franklin County, I believe,” said Goshorn, who has attended the church since 1969. “One of the oldest Catholic churches, anyway.”
The church held a service Saturday at 7 p.m., but Goshorn and others said nothing seemed out of the ordinary as they left.
Ed and Rosann O’Lone of Delaware County, Pa., were visiting relatives and attended the service. Rosann O’Lone said she remembered church officials blowing out candles when they left.
“It’s so sad,” she said looking at the aftermath Sunday.
The church does not have air conditioning, but did have working overhead fans. The rear structure housed the building’s furnace, but it was not in use, Goshorn said, adding that officials told her the fire started “in the middle of the building.”
Peterson said it was very foggy when the first fire units arrived on the scene. The blaze was brought under control quickly with the help of a ladder truck from MMP&W Fire Department of Mercersburg, Pa., he said.
“Usually with something like this on a clear night, I could probably see it from Dry Run,” Peterson said. “But as foggy as it was last night, I couldn’t really tell until right here, and I could just see the glow at the top of the fog. (The fire) was clear through the roof. It was coming out of every window.”
The church, which is affiliated with Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Chambersburg, was home to about 25 active families, Miller estimated. The Rev. James R. O’Brien presides over the church, she said.
Phone calls to Corpus Christi officials went unanswered Sunday afternoon.
A neighbor reported the fire, Peterson said.
Additional information from state police was not available Sunday night.
DOYLESBURG, Pa. — By the time Fannett-Metal Fire Chief Sam Peterson arrived, Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church was fully engulfed in flames early Sunday.
“There was fire everywhere — through the roof, out the windows,” Peterson said. “It was everywhere.”
No one was injured in the fire, Peterson said. The call for the fire, at 21169 Cross Road, came in at 3:40 a.m. Sunday, according to Franklin County Emergency Services.
Peterson was unsure of the cause of the fire, but said a Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal and officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were on the scene about 8:15 a.m., when fire units cleared.
Doylesburg is in a rural area about 50 minutes north of Chambersburg, Pa., and northwest of Shippensburg, Pa.
Peterson came back to the scene to check for hot spots at about 11 a.m. Sunday, where numerous church members were congregating and taking photos of the still-standing brick shell of the building.
Church member Roseann Miller of Dry Run, Pa., said she heard the news from the congregation’s phone chain alert system.
“Those who were able to get here came right away. Others have been coming through the rest of the day,” Miller said. “I’ve been a member since 1988, and it just feels like we lost a family member.”
The church, believed to be built in the 1850s, began as a log cabin before the current brick building was erected, Peterson said.
The roof and all the windows of the church were destroyed in the fire, leaving nothing but charred remains inside. An addition to the rear of the church was relatively unharmed, but there were plans to renovate it in the near future, said church member Barb Goshorn of Spring Run, Pa.
“It was one of the oldest churches in Franklin County, I believe,” said Goshorn, who has attended the church since 1969. “One of the oldest Catholic churches, anyway.”
The church held a service Saturday at 7 p.m., but Goshorn and others said nothing seemed out of the ordinary as they left.
Ed and Rosann O’Lone of Delaware County, Pa., were visiting relatives and attended the service. Rosann O’Lone said she remembered church officials blowing out candles when they left.
“It’s so sad,” she said looking at the aftermath Sunday.
The church does not have air conditioning, but did have working overhead fans. The rear structure housed the building’s furnace, but it was not in use, Goshorn said, adding that officials told her the fire started “in the middle of the building.”
Peterson said it was very foggy when the first fire units arrived on the scene. The blaze was brought under control quickly with the help of a ladder truck from MMP&W Fire Department of Mercersburg, Pa., he said.
“Usually with something like this on a clear night, I could probably see it from Dry Run,” Peterson said. “But as foggy as it was last night, I couldn’t really tell until right here, and I could just see the glow at the top of the fog. (The fire) was clear through the roof. It was coming out of every window.”
The church, which is affiliated with Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Chambersburg, was home to about 25 active families, Miller estimated. The Rev. James R. O’Brien presides over the church, she said.
Phone calls to Corpus Christi officials went unanswered Sunday afternoon.
A neighbor reported the fire, Peterson said.
Additional information from state police was not available Sunday night.
Doylesburg Parishioners seek new house of worship after fire....
By BRIAN HALL Staff writer
September 13, 2011 12:56:14 AM EDT
DOYLESBURG -- Parishioners are looking for a place to conduct services after an early-morning fire Sunday at a Doylesburg church. Fannett-Metal Fire Department Chief Sam Peterson said the call came in at 3:39 a.m. and Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church was fully involved by the time first responders arrived.
"We'll have Mass in a pavilion across the street Saturday," said Father James O'Brien of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Chambersburg. "Parishioners are starting to look for an alternate space -- either a community building or a church to use on Saturday night with another group not having service at that time.
"The next step is to meet with the diocese (of Harrisburg). Ultimately, it's their responsibility to plan for a replacement and what we'll do moving ahead."
Our Lady of Refuge is a mission church of Corpus Christi.
Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Jeffrey Sarver said Monday that the fire at the church "doesn't appear to be suspicious, but we haven't ruled it out." Sarver said the blaze remains under investigation and a cause has not been determined.
Fire departments from six counties assisted, Peterson said, with 50 to 75 firefighters working the scene. Fannett-Metal cleared the scene at 8:17 a.m.
Parishioners say Mass at Our Lady of Refuge once per week -- 7 p.m. on Saturdays during the summer months and 8:30 a.m. on Sundays beginning in October, O'Brien said.
The church serves Path Valley and approximately covers the region of Fannett-Metal School District.
September 13, 2011 12:56:14 AM EDT
DOYLESBURG -- Parishioners are looking for a place to conduct services after an early-morning fire Sunday at a Doylesburg church. Fannett-Metal Fire Department Chief Sam Peterson said the call came in at 3:39 a.m. and Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church was fully involved by the time first responders arrived.
"We'll have Mass in a pavilion across the street Saturday," said Father James O'Brien of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Chambersburg. "Parishioners are starting to look for an alternate space -- either a community building or a church to use on Saturday night with another group not having service at that time.
"The next step is to meet with the diocese (of Harrisburg). Ultimately, it's their responsibility to plan for a replacement and what we'll do moving ahead."
Our Lady of Refuge is a mission church of Corpus Christi.
Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Jeffrey Sarver said Monday that the fire at the church "doesn't appear to be suspicious, but we haven't ruled it out." Sarver said the blaze remains under investigation and a cause has not been determined.
Fire departments from six counties assisted, Peterson said, with 50 to 75 firefighters working the scene. Fannett-Metal cleared the scene at 8:17 a.m.
Parishioners say Mass at Our Lady of Refuge once per week -- 7 p.m. on Saturdays during the summer months and 8:30 a.m. on Sundays beginning in October, O'Brien said.
The church serves Path Valley and approximately covers the region of Fannett-Metal School District.
Cause of Doylesburg Church fire undetermined....
September 13, 2011
DOYLESBURG, Pa. — The cause of a fire that destroyed Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church will be listed as undetermined, Fire Marshal Jeff Sarver of the Pennsylvania State Police said Tuesday.
Fire ripped through the church, believed to be built in the 1850s, early Sunday.
Sarver said he believes the fire started in the church’s electrical system, but the extent of the damage made it impossible to pinpoint where.
“They were having Mass the night before. They reported the lights were blinking, but they didn’t think anything of it,” Sarver said.
There were no signs of a break-in or anything taken from the church safe, according to Sarver.
“There’s nothing suspicious we’re seeing,” he said.
The roof and all the windows of the 21169 Cross Road church were destroyed in the fire, leaving nothing but charred remains inside.
— Jennifer Fitch
DOYLESBURG, Pa. — The cause of a fire that destroyed Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church will be listed as undetermined, Fire Marshal Jeff Sarver of the Pennsylvania State Police said Tuesday.
Fire ripped through the church, believed to be built in the 1850s, early Sunday.
Sarver said he believes the fire started in the church’s electrical system, but the extent of the damage made it impossible to pinpoint where.
“They were having Mass the night before. They reported the lights were blinking, but they didn’t think anything of it,” Sarver said.
There were no signs of a break-in or anything taken from the church safe, according to Sarver.
“There’s nothing suspicious we’re seeing,” he said.
The roof and all the windows of the 21169 Cross Road church were destroyed in the fire, leaving nothing but charred remains inside.
— Jennifer Fitch
Parishioners Rejoice in Dedication of Rebuilt Our Lady of Refuge Church....
By Jen Reed, The Catholic Witness
On Sept. 11, 2011, Karen Gipe watched in horror as Our Lady of Refuge Church in Doylesburg burned in a destructive fire, leaving only its brick structure behind. Awakened by the terrible news of the fire in the middle of the night, Mrs. Gipe had rushed the two miles from her house to the beloved historic church. She arrived in time to watch the roof collapse.
More than 13 months later, on Oct. 28, Mrs. Gipe again stood with tears in her eyes as she gazed upon Our Lady of Refuge Church. It’s newly rebuilt now, and Bishop Joseph P. McFadden was there to dedicate it that day. “Praise God! Thanks be to God!”
Mrs. Gipe exclaimed as parishioners made their way out of the church following the Mass of Dedication. “We were able to rebuild, and we can celebrate today!”
For parishioners, the past year had been a long one, filled with grief over the loss, uncertainty about whether the church – a mission of Corpus Christi Parish in Chambersburg – would be rebuilt, and then waiting with anticipation as the reconstruction project moved forward. The strength and faith of the parish community were among the focuses of Bishop McFadden’s homily during the dedication Mass. “In coming into this Church of Our Lady of Refuge, it’s important to understand that this building – as nice and as beautiful as it is – is really not the Church. This building, these walls, are not the Church of Our Lady of Refuge.
You are,” he told parishioners. “The Church is made of living stones. The Church is you and I, gathered together.”
As living stones, they gather for Mass to listen to the Word of God, to celebrate the goodness of Jesus Christ, and to be nourished by Christ’s Body and Blood, the bishop said. “The Lord has chosen to dwell, and he will dwell, in this church,” Bishop McFadden said. “We will reserve the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle, and so it is here in Doylesburg that we never have to go looking for God. We know exactly where we can find him – right here in this church.”
Catholicism in Path Valley dates back to 1737, when Thomas Doyle, a Catholic, received 530 acres of land there. The first Mass was celebrated in a local home in 1790. A log chapel that the Doyle family built next to the family cemetery in 1802 eventually became the first church. The second church was dedicated in November 1853. The current church is a symbolic connection between the old and the new. The brick shell from the second church remains. While floors, walls, roofing, windows, plumbing and electrical wiring are new, the re-built church includes pews from a church closed in Pottsville, Pa. And, enclosed beneath the concrete foundation is the former tabernacle, a cross and other items from the previous church.
The Mass of Dedication was filled with rich symbolism. Parishioners gathered outside the church for the start of the 8:30 a.m. Mass as the church keys were handed from the builder – Conewago Enterprises – to the bishop, who handed them to Father James
O’Brien, pastor of Corpus Christi Parish, to open the doors. During the rite, the bishop sprinkled the people and the walls of the church with holy water, and anointed the walls and the altar with Sacred Chrism. “It was a beautiful Mass!” exclaimed 84-year-old Mary Vocke as she exited the church with her husband Bill. They were married at Our Lady of Refuge in 1949 and raised two sons there. Bracing herself against the chilly breezes and light rain that previewed Hurricane Sandy, Mrs. Vocke smiled at she looked up at the façade of the church, where she’s been attending Mass her entire life. “I’m so happy that the bishop allowed us to rebuild,”
she said. “I think this past year drew everyone together, and we’re very appreciative of the community’s help, especially in allowing us to use the Community Center all this time for Mass.”
Parishioners returned to that Community Center after the Mass to celebrate with brunch and a social. The occasion afforded them an opportunity to reflect on the support of the community during the past 13 months. And as parishioners and clergy rejoiced in the re-building and dedication of Our Lady of Refuge Church, project construction supervisor Dave Greenholt of Conewago Enterprises shared in their happiness. “For me, the best part of working on this project is turning the church over to the people,” he said Having worked on the project from June to October, he came to know many parishioners there as they eagerly watched the progress. “They’ve been so excited about getting their church back,” he said. “That’s why I’m here today. I’m very happy for
them.” “Being able to rebuild was such a wonderful blessing,” said Mrs. Gipe. “Through the year, we kept our faith alive. Our prayers went up to God. He blessed us, and we were able to rebuild.” “It was very uplifting to watch everyone process into the new church today,” she said. “It’s been a long year, but we’ve really come together in this time.”
On Sept. 11, 2011, Karen Gipe watched in horror as Our Lady of Refuge Church in Doylesburg burned in a destructive fire, leaving only its brick structure behind. Awakened by the terrible news of the fire in the middle of the night, Mrs. Gipe had rushed the two miles from her house to the beloved historic church. She arrived in time to watch the roof collapse.
More than 13 months later, on Oct. 28, Mrs. Gipe again stood with tears in her eyes as she gazed upon Our Lady of Refuge Church. It’s newly rebuilt now, and Bishop Joseph P. McFadden was there to dedicate it that day. “Praise God! Thanks be to God!”
Mrs. Gipe exclaimed as parishioners made their way out of the church following the Mass of Dedication. “We were able to rebuild, and we can celebrate today!”
For parishioners, the past year had been a long one, filled with grief over the loss, uncertainty about whether the church – a mission of Corpus Christi Parish in Chambersburg – would be rebuilt, and then waiting with anticipation as the reconstruction project moved forward. The strength and faith of the parish community were among the focuses of Bishop McFadden’s homily during the dedication Mass. “In coming into this Church of Our Lady of Refuge, it’s important to understand that this building – as nice and as beautiful as it is – is really not the Church. This building, these walls, are not the Church of Our Lady of Refuge.
You are,” he told parishioners. “The Church is made of living stones. The Church is you and I, gathered together.”
As living stones, they gather for Mass to listen to the Word of God, to celebrate the goodness of Jesus Christ, and to be nourished by Christ’s Body and Blood, the bishop said. “The Lord has chosen to dwell, and he will dwell, in this church,” Bishop McFadden said. “We will reserve the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle, and so it is here in Doylesburg that we never have to go looking for God. We know exactly where we can find him – right here in this church.”
Catholicism in Path Valley dates back to 1737, when Thomas Doyle, a Catholic, received 530 acres of land there. The first Mass was celebrated in a local home in 1790. A log chapel that the Doyle family built next to the family cemetery in 1802 eventually became the first church. The second church was dedicated in November 1853. The current church is a symbolic connection between the old and the new. The brick shell from the second church remains. While floors, walls, roofing, windows, plumbing and electrical wiring are new, the re-built church includes pews from a church closed in Pottsville, Pa. And, enclosed beneath the concrete foundation is the former tabernacle, a cross and other items from the previous church.
The Mass of Dedication was filled with rich symbolism. Parishioners gathered outside the church for the start of the 8:30 a.m. Mass as the church keys were handed from the builder – Conewago Enterprises – to the bishop, who handed them to Father James
O’Brien, pastor of Corpus Christi Parish, to open the doors. During the rite, the bishop sprinkled the people and the walls of the church with holy water, and anointed the walls and the altar with Sacred Chrism. “It was a beautiful Mass!” exclaimed 84-year-old Mary Vocke as she exited the church with her husband Bill. They were married at Our Lady of Refuge in 1949 and raised two sons there. Bracing herself against the chilly breezes and light rain that previewed Hurricane Sandy, Mrs. Vocke smiled at she looked up at the façade of the church, where she’s been attending Mass her entire life. “I’m so happy that the bishop allowed us to rebuild,”
she said. “I think this past year drew everyone together, and we’re very appreciative of the community’s help, especially in allowing us to use the Community Center all this time for Mass.”
Parishioners returned to that Community Center after the Mass to celebrate with brunch and a social. The occasion afforded them an opportunity to reflect on the support of the community during the past 13 months. And as parishioners and clergy rejoiced in the re-building and dedication of Our Lady of Refuge Church, project construction supervisor Dave Greenholt of Conewago Enterprises shared in their happiness. “For me, the best part of working on this project is turning the church over to the people,” he said Having worked on the project from June to October, he came to know many parishioners there as they eagerly watched the progress. “They’ve been so excited about getting their church back,” he said. “That’s why I’m here today. I’m very happy for
them.” “Being able to rebuild was such a wonderful blessing,” said Mrs. Gipe. “Through the year, we kept our faith alive. Our prayers went up to God. He blessed us, and we were able to rebuild.” “It was very uplifting to watch everyone process into the new church today,” she said. “It’s been a long year, but we’ve really come together in this time.”