CHURCH BURNED TO GROUND

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21685, 20 January 1936, Page 10

CHURCH BURNED TO GROUND

,4 " • FIRE AT DARFIELD DAMAGE ESTIMATED AT £IOOO

Damage estimated at £ 1000 was caused by a fire in the Church of Holy Angels at Darfield late on Saturday night. The fire was well advanced before it was noticed, and in spite of the valuable help given by volunteer fire fighters, the church was burnt to the ground in not much more than an hour. The church was insured; but no particulars of the amount could be obtained.

Father M. J. McMonagle, the priest in charge, said that he had visited the church about 8.30, and everything had been in order. About an hour later he saw that the church was in flames. The fire had by that time gained a big hold on the dry timber of which the church was built. He had immediately rung for assistance, and in a short time a fairly large crowd of volunteer fire-fighters, who had been at the pictures in Darfield arrived at the church. In spite of their efforts the church was soon burnt to the ground. Fortunately there was little wind blowing. If there had been a strong breeze the presbytery, which is about 45 yards distant from the church would have been in serious danger. Although there was only a light easterly breeze at the time of the fire, many precautions were taken to prevent the blaze spreading to this building. The grass round the church was not dry enough to burn.

Among the articles destroyed were valuable vestments, furnishings, and statues. It is believed that a new church will soon be erected, but in the meantime services will be held in the convent school The fire is believed to have started from the interior of the building.