DAYTON, Ohio – The Maria Stein community is devastated by the damage to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, but they are receiving support and prayers from all over the country and around the world.
The building, which was 135 years old, was completely destroyed by fire. The staple and spire collapsed, and the roof is completely destroyed.
Father Ken Schnipke wrote a lovely letter about the fire and how the community is doing. You can read the whole thing here.
He asked for the community’s patience while the salvage and restoration specialists worked within the historic site.
Despite the severe damage, restoration specialists are optimistic that more can be salvaged. “The key to salvage and restoration is to act quickly,” Schnipke stated. “While I know many would like to help in the church, we need to let the salvage and restoration specialists do their work.”
He expressed how heartwarming the response to the fire has been.
“We have been receiving calls and emails from people across the country, and even internationally, offering prayers and support,” Schnipke wrote in a response. “In a way, we are reaching out to the ends of the earth, just as they are reaching out to help us. And, as Archbishop Casey put it, “that makes us church.”
Last Sunday, parishioners from St. John’s attended mass at the Precious Blood Church in Chickasaw.
