BURNED HUNDREDS OF CHURCHES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 1 December 1927, Page 2

BURNED HUNDREDS OF CHURCHES

FIRE AS AID TO ROBBERY BURIED TREASURE WORTH £13,000 The mystery surrounding the burning of several Quebec Catholic churches, including the St-. Anne de Beaupre shrine and the Quebec Basilica, is explained by an amazing confession made by Roy Marsden, a, convict now in the penitentiary at Columbus (Ohio). Marsden, who* was brought up as a Catholic, declared that he had no animus against the churches, his only object ,being robbery. During 26 years he admits having burned hundreds of churches and decamping with •valuables and the contents of collection boxes. In the fire at the Quebec Basilica he nearly lost his life owing to the speed, with which the flames spread, forcing him to flee without loot. He had a similar disappointment in the case of Ste. Anne de Beaupre, where, after setting the building on five with gasoline, he went outside, intending to return for the loot, but found his movements impeded by huge crowds, and when eventually he went hack discovered that all the treasures had been removed by the priests. 'Marsden offered to guide detectives to a spot near Lacolle Que, where he had buried church property worth £13,000, including a bishop’s heavy gold. cross. He says he had two confederates.