A Roman Catholic church built in 1901 is likely damaged beyond repair after a suspicious fire Monday destroyed century-old artwork and a longstanding gathering place for a northern Alberta community.
St. Bernard Catholic was a meeting place for people of all ages in the small community of Grouard. Over the year’s it has hosted countless weddings, baptisms, funerals and Sunday services.
On May 23rd, High Prairie RCMP charged 56 year old Kenneth Ferguson & 50 year old Gerald Capot with Break and Enter to Commit Theft as well as Arson.
Both Ferguson and Capot were held for a Judicial Interim Hearing and remain in custody with a court date on May 29 in High Prairie.
The Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan has released a statement on the fire, saying it is deeply saddened by the loss of the 121-year old church, noting it is one of the oldest in the archdiocese.
“Our prayers are with the people of Grouard and surrounding communities, who have lost not only their place of worship, but a landmark of their community. Many weddings, funerals and cherished memories were honoured there.”
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