FIRST ONSITE crews began retrieving sacred items and removing large debris the day after the fire. Crews began sifting through and removing smaller debris June 23rd with the last of the fire debris removed on August 11th. Over 200 tons of debris was removed from the church along with scrap metal that has been recycled. Crews were not able to remove debris from the NW sacristy due to unsafe door headers and walls nor from the bell tower platform and above that was heavily damaged.
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What is remaining in the church?
The organ console, façade and mechanical parts were destroyed, but a significant portion of the pipes were protected in a basswood case. The organ pipes will be removed and stored in the rectory until possible restoration begins. With the removal of the scaffolding, the windows can be removed and begin the restoration process. Door frames at the main entrance and side entrances, some of the priest sacristy cabinets and the two side altars may be usable in the future church. The large crucifix over the choir loft needs to be removed.
The organ console, façade and mechanical parts were destroyed, but a significant portion of the pipes were protected in a basswood case. The organ pipes will be removed and stored in the rectory until possible restoration begins. With the removal of the scaffolding, the windows can be removed and begin the restoration process. Door frames at the main entrance and side entrances, some of the priest sacristy cabinets and the two side altars may be usable in the future church. The large crucifix over the choir loft needs to be removed.
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What is happening and Next steps.
A recent structural assessment revealed that the walls are generally strong, but a portion of the upper side walls, a significant portion of the North West wall and the upper portion of the bell tower would need to be disassembled and rebuilt. Other reinforcement would likely need to occur in the basement and foundation walls.
Insurance adjusters and building consultants specializing in restoration have been reviewing the structural assessment and researching the cost to rebuild St. John Church as it was as well as the cost to replace. They are hoping to have preliminary numbers and options by the end of August. The St. John Building Committee is researching possible architects to identify one who can help us work with the Archdiocese, FIRST ONSITE and other professionals to envision and understand the future options for St. John Church, present those options to the St. John parishioners, and help parishioners discern and decide the best path forward through consensus building.
A recent structural assessment revealed that the walls are generally strong, but a portion of the upper side walls, a significant portion of the North West wall and the upper portion of the bell tower would need to be disassembled and rebuilt. Other reinforcement would likely need to occur in the basement and foundation walls.
Insurance adjusters and building consultants specializing in restoration have been reviewing the structural assessment and researching the cost to rebuild St. John Church as it was as well as the cost to replace. They are hoping to have preliminary numbers and options by the end of August. The St. John Building Committee is researching possible architects to identify one who can help us work with the Archdiocese, FIRST ONSITE and other professionals to envision and understand the future options for St. John Church, present those options to the St. John parishioners, and help parishioners discern and decide the best path forward through consensus building.
- Fr. Ken Schnipke, C.PP.S, Christ Our Light Family of Parishes
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