Historic Catholic church near Temple destroyed by fire, Austin Diocese says
Fire destroyed a historic Catholic church near Temple early Monday, leaving nearly nothing behind, according to the Diocese of Austin.
Diocese officials said the cause of the fire that erupted at the Church of the Visitation in Westphalia on Monday morning has yet to be determined. It appears the church will be a total loss, officials said.
“I am saddened for the people of Westphalia who have suffered this tremendous loss,” said Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, who visited the parish on Monday. “I am grateful for all the firefighters and departments that responded to the fire. Please join me in keeping the people of this historic parish in your prayers today as they try to piece together this tragedy.”
The parish of the Church of the Visitation was founded in 1883 and serves 244 families. The church itself was completed in 1895 for $8,000 with most of the construction done by parishioners.
Read more: https://www.statesman.com/news/20190729/historic-catholic-church-near-temple-destroyed-by-fire-austin-diocese-says
