BF church destroyed by blaze
—Courtesy photo Firefighters try to contain a fire at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Bonners Ferry in the early morning hours Thurday. The church was destroyed in what authorities said was arson.
—Photo by SARAH JENKINS Crews pull away a section of the roof late Thursday morning after St. Ann’s Catholic Church was destroyed in an arson fire earlier that morning.
—Photo by SARAH JENKINS Smoke pours from St. Ann's Catholic Church in Bonners Ferry after an arson-caused explosion early Thursday morning. By the time fire crews arrived, the church was fully engulfed in flames.
—Photo by SARAH JENKINS A bell tower at St. Ann's Catholic Church escaped destruction after the Bonners Ferry church was destroyed in an arson fire in the early morning hours Thurday.
BONNERS FERRY — St. Ann’s Catholic Church was destroyed by arson early Thursday morning.
Authorities responded to an explosion at the church approximately 2 a.m. — which was heard by residents as far as two miles away — to find the building fully engulfed in fire. Despite multiple agencies responding, the fire continued to smolder more than 12 hours later.
Bill Steele, deputy investigations officer for the Idaho State Fire Marshal, confirmed the blaze was caused by an incendiary device or attack designed to cause fire.
Authorities have a person of interest in the fire but declined to name the individual due to an ongoing investigation.
The fire follows several instances of vandalism in local community churches in February. St. Ann’s had ash spread on the walls depicting satanic symbols, wax dripped from the candles onto the floor, and candles were defaced. In addition, the cross from the tabernacle was stolen and a statue of St. Ann’s had the eyes defaced. At Trinity Lutheran Church, a cross was picked up and turned upside down, and then cut. In addition, there were cuts on a handmade calligraphy Bible verse.
According to www.vesselanaw.wordpress.com, a cross turned upside down in Satanism is an act of mockery and a way to dishonor Christ and his death.
St. Ann’s has been undergoing renovations over the past few years, including $30,000 for a new porch, $100,000 for a new roof and a recently completed basement remodel costing $30,000.
In addition, the congregation also purchased a new $7,000 electronic piano.
Each of the church’s 10 stained glass windows — costing $1,500 each — were personalized and donated by parish members.
Congregation members said the destruction of their church won’t hinder their faith in moving forward through the tragedy. Father Carlos Perez, who has been with the parish since 2007, said he is grateful no one was hurt but is saddened by the church’s destruction.
“I thank God nothing happened to me — I live beside the church,” he said. “I am sad because a lot went into the church. This is not only a job.”
In a show of strength, Mass was held Thursday night at the United Methodist Church. Initially, plans called for Mass to be at the pavilion at St. Ann’s but those plans were canceled due to poor air quality caused by the fire. Father Dennis Gordon of St. Joan of Arc in Coeur d’Alene, delivered wine and hosts for the Mass.
Perez said he trusts God will lead the church forward through the tragedy.
“I trust in my Lord, and everything is in his hands,” he said.
Bishop Peter F. Christensen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise will be in Bonners Ferry on Saturday to observe the damage.
Like many of you, Christensen said the diocese staff has been following the early morning fire at St. Ann’s Church and is grateful that neither parish administrator Father Perez nor “the brave members of the community who fought the fire” were injured.
“We have been heartened by the prayers and support of the community and of Catholics and others around the state reaching out to the people of St. Ann’s in this hour of need,” Christensen said in a statement.
While the church destroyed in the fire was built in the 1960s, St. Ann’s has been a part of the community for far longer.
“Catholics have worshipped at St. Ann’s for more than 120 years,” Christensen said, “Join me in praying for the people of St. Ann’s and all those affected by this fire.”
Plans for future Masses are being scheduled, but no locations have yet been determined.
St. Ann’s parishioners said they are grateful for the outpouring of generosity by local churches to host Mass and the dedication of the first responders.