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Fire Damages St. Peter's Church in Sisseton, SD |
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In the early morning hours of September 21, 2005, a self-confessed arsonist started a fire in the altar server’s sacristy of St. Peter’s Church in Sisseton, SD. The fire travelled along a wall to the sacristy on the opposite side of the church. Fire fighters were able to bring it under control before it could envelope the whole structure.
The Oblates have served several parishes in the Sisseton area for many years. The current Oblates there are the pastor, Fr. Norman Volk, and his associate, Fr. Walter Butor. Besides St. Peter’s in the town of Sisseton, the Oblates serve at St. Catherine’s Parish, the worship centre of the Native American Catholics. Until they can return to their own church, the 260 family congregation of St. Peter’s is worshiping at St. Catherine’s.
From what authorities are able to determine, a 17 year old juvenile first broke into the Boys’ and Girls’ Club and stole candy. He left a trail of candy wrappers. Then he broke into St. Peter’s where he not only started a fire but managed to dislodge the tabernacle from its base and throw it to the floor; he also overturned flower vases and the Paschal Candle.
The parish is now waiting for word from structural engineers concerning the safety of the church building. Once that is determined, they will know whether they will be able to repair the building or need to build a new one.
(Information and photos provided by Michelle Skarnagel, Parish Secretary.)
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