St Mary's Catholic Church Johnson City Tn

A devastating fire ripped through St. Mary's Catholic Church in Johnson City, Tennessee, early this morning, causing extensive damage and prompting an immediate investigation.

The blaze, reported around 3:00 AM, engulfed the historic sanctuary, leaving parishioners and the community reeling. This article provides the latest confirmed details on the incident, the response, and what happens next.

The Incident

The Johnson City Fire Department received a call at approximately 3:07 AM reporting smoke and flames visible from St. Mary's Catholic Church, located at 221 East Washington Street.

Firefighters arrived on scene to find heavy fire emanating from the roof and windows of the main sanctuary. Crews battled the blaze for several hours, working to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjacent buildings, including the parish hall and rectory.

According to a statement released by the Johnson City Fire Department, the fire was brought under control by 7:00 AM, but crews remain on scene to monitor for hotspots.

Damage Assessment

The extent of the damage is significant. The main sanctuary of St. Mary's suffered substantial structural damage, including a collapsed roof and charred interior.

While the parish hall and rectory appear to have been spared from direct fire damage, they may have sustained smoke and water damage. A full assessment will be conducted once the fire marshal deems the site safe to enter.

Early reports indicate that several religious artifacts and historical documents may have been lost in the fire, a devastating blow to the parish's heritage.

The Response

The Johnson City Fire Department deployed multiple units to combat the fire, with assistance from neighboring fire departments.

Father John Dowling, the pastor of St. Mary's, arrived at the scene early this morning, visibly shaken. He expressed gratitude for the swift response of the firefighters and concern for his parishioners.

The American Red Cross is providing support to firefighters and displaced individuals. City officials are also on-site to assess the situation and coordinate resources.

The Investigation

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Johnson City Fire Marshal's Office.

Investigators are treating the scene as an active investigation and are appealing to the public for any information related to the incident.

No official statement regarding potential causes has been released, and officials are urging the public to avoid speculation until the investigation is complete.

Community Impact

St. Mary's Catholic Church has been a cornerstone of the Johnson City community for over a century.

The loss of the sanctuary is a significant blow to the parish and the wider community, many of whom have deep personal connections to the church.

"This church is more than just a building; it's a family,"

Local leaders have expressed their support for the St. Mary's community and pledged to assist in the recovery efforts.

Next Steps

Father Dowling has announced that masses will be temporarily relocated to the parish hall until a more permanent solution can be found.

The Diocese of Knoxville has pledged its full support to St. Mary's and will work with the parish to develop a plan for rebuilding.

A community meeting is scheduled for tomorrow evening at 7:00 PM at the parish hall to discuss the situation and coordinate volunteer efforts. Details regarding fundraising initiatives will be announced at that time.