MONROE — Fire destroyed the office of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in the early morning hours of July 27.
No one was hurt in the blaze, which began before 5 a.m. The office building was destroyed, and the adjacent chapel and former rectory were significantly damaged. Local, state and federal agencies are investigating the cause of the fire.
As of July 29, the official cause was still undetermined, but arson has been ruled out, said Carter Plyler, interim fire marshal and Monroe's fire chief.
The Blessed Sacrament was not in the tabernacle of the chapel at the time of the fire, noted Father Benjamin Roberts, pastor.
“We ask you for your prayers and consideration at this time,” Father Roberts said.
Firefighters were dispatched around 5 a.m. to the blaze at the Monroe church, located at 725 Deese St., where they found the office building that connects the chapel and the former rectory on fire. The office is a total loss, and there is considerable smoke damage to the chapel and rectory.
The chapel’s Agnus Dei rose window was completely destroyed, along with the sacristy and part of the roof. The tabernacle, Paschal candle and sacred art inside the chapel were smoke damaged.
Bishop Peter Jugis surveyed the damage at Our Lady of Lourdes Church this afternoon. The Monroe parish was his last pastoral assignment before being named the fourth Bishop of Charlotte in 2003. (Photo provided)
The chapel is the parish’s original church. It was built in 1945, and the former rectory was constructed two years later. An office space was built to connect those two buildings in the 1980s. The brick walls of the office prevented the fire from spreading further into the chapel and rectory.
The chapel and the office have not been used since March, when COVID-19 public health restrictions went into effect. Office staff have been working mostly remotely, and Masses have been celebrated outdoors at the parish’s grotto.
Bishop Peter Jugis, who was pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church when in 2003 he was called to become the fourth Bishop of Charlotte, visited the scene of the fire Monday afternoon to inspect the damage and console Father Roberts and parishioners.
He said, “It’s heartbreaking to see the damage done to a sacred place that has meant so much to people for the past 75 years. I have many fond memories of serving as pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes. We’re committed to repairing the chapel and rebuilding the office for this growing parish.”
Officials are determining the damage amounts, and insurance is covering the incident.
In a Facebook video posted July 29, Father Roberts offered three ways people can help the parish in this difficult time: prayers; patience as the phone lines and internet access at the church remain down; and financial support. A one-time donation can be made at https://osvhub.com/our-lady-of-lourdescc/funds.
Masses will continue to be celebrated at the outdoor grotto; please refer to Our Lady of Lourdes’ Facebook page for updated daily Mass information.
— Kimberly Bender, online reporter. Provided photos.