Tag: St. John Catholic Church

A state investigator says the cause of a fire that destroyed a church in Benwood can’t be determined.

Assistant state fire marshal Jason Maltic tells media outlets that the fire began in the right corner of the rear of the roof area. But the cause can’t be determined because of the extent of damage.

The fire occurred Monday at St. John Catholic Church. An adjacent school sustained smoke and water damage.

Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston spokesman Bryan Minor says the diocese is awaiting the results of an engineering report before deciding what to do with the property.

 Authorities are investigating a fire that destroyed a 140-year-old church Catholic church in Benwood.

The fire occurred just before 9 p.m. Monday at St. John Catholic Church. No injuries were reported.

Benwood Police Chief Frank Longwell says a school attached to the church sustained minimal damage.

The Most Rev. Michael J. Bransfield, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, says he was saddened by news of the fire.

The church was built in 1875.