MELROSE, Minn. (AP) – A Roman Catholic congregation in central Minnesota is looking for a place to hold Easter Week services after fire gutted their historic church.
Officials say the fire at the Church of St. Mary in Melrose caused at least $1 million in damage Friday.
Fray Zamora told the St. Cloud Times that the nearly 120-year-old church is a vital part of the community.
Bishop Donald Kettler of the Diocese of St. Cloud came to see the damage. Kettler says one of the toughest aspects of the fire is finding places to host Mass.
The church ministers to the community’s newer Hispanic population as well as its more established residents.
The fire apparently started on the west end of the building, where the sacristy is located. The state fire marshal’s office is investigating.
