DAYTON, Ohio — Cleanup efforts are underway following a devastating fire that damaged a historical church in Maria Stein in May.
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church is making progress as crews work to restore the building and salvage important items damaged by fire and the water used to extinguish the flames over a month ago.
According to the Marion Catholic community, members of the St. John Parish Council and other representatives from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati have met with First Onsite, a property restoration company.
Officials say insurance companies and fire investigators are still investigating the cause of the fire, but they have limited access to the building due to safety concerns.
Currently, the church’s walls and remaining structure appear to be intact, but clearing the debris from inside and outside the church could take months.
Officials from St. John’s and other archdioceses across the United States are requesting voluntary donations from families to help fund recovery and cleanup efforts. The donation drive will last until July 13.
Officials, on the other hand, warn everyone to be wary of scammers who claim to be selling products as part of a fundraiser for St. John the Baptist.
According to one resident, the church’s closure has had a significant impact on local families.
“The community has been devastated,” stated Ted Bertke, a resident. “They have lost a pillar of their community. This was central; this was where everything came together.
While church leaders say they will continue to clean up, it is unclear how they will proceed with the church’s rebuilding at this time.
