FIRE IN A CHURCH

Evening Star, Issue 21079, 16 April 1932, Page 9

FIRE IN A CHURCH

ORGAN DESTROYED [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, April 15. _ Serious damage was done to the Church of Epiphany, in Karangahapa road, by a fire which broke out this evening just about the time of the commencement of the disturbances, which' occurred in the shopping area near by.The fire apparently broke out in the choir vestry beneath the sanctuary, and quickly spread. The flames travelled along the vaulted roof, and were breaking out through the northern wall overlooking Karangahape road when the fira engines arrived. The alarm was given about 9.15, and by that time_ the fire had a strong hold of the interior. The fire was soon under control, but great 'difficulty was experienced in extinguishing the blaze owing to the extreme height of the roof, where the timbers were burning in several places. The main damage was done to the organ, which was soon a charred mass. This portion of the building was badly burned, and the whole of the choir library was consumed. The vicar, the Rev. Jasper Calder. was able to save the church records and the communion plate. The origin of the fire could not be determined. INCENDIARISM SUSPECTED [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, April 16. The Rev. Jasper Calder declared this morning that the fire in the church last night was a clear case of incendiarism, and the police have been notified of the suspicious action of two people. The church’s loss is very serious, including the choir robes, surplices, cassocks, and altar hangings.: Mr Calder saved the communion plate and church records by dashing into the smoke.