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Fire destroys St., Mary's Mission Church - P3

RED LAKE - During the early morning hours of Saturday, December 2, 2017, fire broke out at St. Mary's Church in Red Lake, destroying the historic 159 year-old building completely in a very short time.

On that Saturday afternoon it was still smoldering a little and and cars were still pulling into the area to look at it, now surrounded by yellow take the law enforcement had put around it.

St. Mary's Mission School was founded in 1888 after two Benedictine sisters from the monastery in St. Joseph, Minn., responded to a request from Red Lake to minister on the reservation, according to the College of St. Benedict's Website. The School was not damaged in the fire and is situated across the street from the church. It serves children from preschool through sixth grade.

It was about 2:36 AM that morning that a Red Lake Police Officer noticed smoke coming from the church. The Fire Department, which was located about a quarter mile from the church, was called and arrived on the scene minutes later.

According to reports, firefighters observed flames coming from the southwest corner of the church and tried to enter the building through the basement. Heavy flames and smoke prevented that, and it was too much. Within minutes it took off like paper and there was no stopping it.

Firefighters were on the scene until 8 AM that morning, and although no foul play and arson were not suspected, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives still will investigate as required by law to ensure a hate crime has not been committed.

Father Jerry Rogers had stated there was still going to be church services on Sunday, moving them into the school's gymnasium across the street.

The church was a total loss and there were no injuries reported.

 

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