The community of Roseneath is in shock and fear after another suspicious fire destroyed a historic church.
There have been three suspicious fires (two residences and one garbage bin) since March 18 in the small community of Roseneath including two empty residences and a garbage bin by a school.
Alnwick/Haldimand Fire Department were dispatched to St. James Anglican Church on County Road 45 just north of Roseneath at approximately 11:22 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2019.
When they arrived on scene the church was engulfed in flames and there was nothing they could do to save the historic church that has been in existence since 1863.
“Right from the initial 9-1-1 call it was confirmed it was a working fire,” said Alnwick/Haldimand Fire Chief Mark Diminie.
“The fact that we have an unoccupied building without any reason it starts on fire. Based on the history of the other fires we’ve contacted the Ontario Fire Marshall’s office.”
A church fire is very rare and firefighters were even taken aback.
“Especially the firefighters out of Station 3 (Rosneath). They recognize that this is a historic building. Firefighters see buildings burn, but when they see a church, and a historical church, it definitely affects firefighters as much as anybody in the community.”
Reverend Bryce Sangster stood by and watched in disbelief at the church he had been minister at for five years burn to the ground.
“I couldn’t believe how far gone it was. There was virtually nothing left, just a little bit in the front of the church and that’s it.”
Reverend Sangster said people will be “devastated” when they hear the news the church has been destroyed.
On April 24 the church had a dedication of an alter linen for a woman that had passed.
“We also paid tribute to a gentleman that’s done a lot of work for the church climbing up the tower and so forth – and yet now it’s all gone.”
With a church built in the early 1860’s, Reverend Sangster said there always is a lot of work and dedication over the years, but the small congregation which now numbers approximately 15 always managed to accomplish the goal.
An organ, alter linen, communion items, pews, everything is gone.
“A lot of memories, a lot of people were baptized, the cemetery, although the cemetery is still there, how is that going to affect their memory in what the church was.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
