BREEZY POINT, Queens (WABC) — Flames destroyed a Catholic church in Queens on Holy Saturday, the identical church devastated by a Superstorm Sandy-fueled fireplace nearly 13 years in the past.
The hearth began simply earlier than 2 p.m. at Saint Edmund Church on Rockaway Level Boulevard between Arcadia Stroll and Seashore 207 Avenue in Breezy Level.
Over 100 fireplace and EMS employees responded to the scene. Two firefighters suffered minor accidents.
There was no Holy Saturday Mass scheduled, however church members had been there earlier within the afternoon making ready for Easter Sunday.
The pews would have been stuffed with parishioners on Sunday for Easter Mass, however they’re as a substitute lined in soot. Not a lot contained in the church may very well be salvaged – the pastor’s chair was among the many ruined objects.
Parishioners watched helplessly as firefighters labored to extinguish the flames and carry holy statues from the ruins. The parish was in a position to save a statue of Jesus and a crucifix that had been unscathed, maybe a logo of hope for parishioners as they put together to have a good time Easter.
“It is the holiest season there may be within the Catholic Church and it is devastating for it to occur,” mentioned parishioner Pat McCarthy.
The group of Breezy Level is as tight-knit as they arrive. Homes sit solely toes from the church.
Kelly Morgan has been a parishioner for 17 years.
“One among my buddies got here by to see the fireplace and he mentioned he is presupposed to get married right here on December 5,” Morgan mentioned.
Hours after the fireplace was put out, the church was boarded up — and never for the primary time both.
Superstorm Sandy destroyed all however one statue of the Blessed Mom, which now sits outdoors the church. The church was later rebuilt.
The congregation could also be shaken, however not defeated.
“It is unhappy as a result of they had been preparing for Easter tomorrow and the landscapers had been right here yesterday and the day earlier than — it is actually unhappy, I hope they rebuild it,” mentioned Gina Mason.
Saint Edmund Church is considered one of three church buildings throughout the Blessed Trinity Parish in Breezy Level, so parishioners will not need to go up to now to have a good time Easter Mass.
The reason for the fireplace is underneath investigation.
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