Highland Catholics Mourn Historic Loss
Cause Of Fire Is Under Investigation
Posted: 10:08 p.m. CDT April 17, 2002Updated: 11:22 a.m. CDT April 19, 2002
HIGHLAND, Wis. -- A historic Iowa county church was hit by a tornado almost 90 years ago and survived. But it couldn't survive a fire Wednesday night.
Now church members in Highland must decide what to do about the loss of a landmark.
News 3's Linda Eggert was in Highland Thursday where church members told her they are considering rebuilding their 125-year old landmark. The 400-family parish has a second church just down the road where members of St. Anthony's can go while they decide how to replace a building filled with so much history.
"It's so shocking that it's not there," said member Bill Rose. " Driving into town you're used to seeing that big steeple stand up. "
St. Anthony's was built in 1898 and grew to be the largest Catholic church in the Iowa county community -- now just some brick remains.
"This was a gorgeous church, the windows, the statutes, everything -- it was gorgeous," said member Lynn Hebgen.
Flames had chewing up the roof by the time firefighters arrived about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. A passing firefighter called the fire in. At its peak, some 200 people from 10 departments battled the blaze, but
lost.
"Last night was hard to watch the roof cave in," said Father Ken Frisch. "It was probably the hardest part and that happened fairly quickly, and then it was just waiting for other things to go. The bells finally came crashing down from the steeple about midnight."
On Thursday, firefighters slept or just watched along with scores of others as the big oak timbers continued to burn.
"When (the steeple) basically came apart, it just folded apart, just like a teepee," said Chief Dave Kosharek, who continues to investigate the cause of the fire.
Firefighters were able to save some church statutes, now stained with soot.
"It's a loss -- it's going to be a big change," Kosharek said.
Kosharek said he doesn't believe foul play was involved. He told News 3 he thinks the cause will remain undetermined.
Frisch told News 3 that rebuilding the church is one of many options that will be
discussed in the coming months.
News 3's Linda Eggert was in Highland Thursday where church members told her they are considering rebuilding their 125-year old landmark. The 400-family parish has a second church just down the road where members of St. Anthony's can go while they decide how to replace a building filled with so much history.
"It's so shocking that it's not there," said member Bill Rose. " Driving into town you're used to seeing that big steeple stand up. "
St. Anthony's was built in 1898 and grew to be the largest Catholic church in the Iowa county community -- now just some brick remains.
"This was a gorgeous church, the windows, the statutes, everything -- it was gorgeous," said member Lynn Hebgen.
Flames had chewing up the roof by the time firefighters arrived about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. A passing firefighter called the fire in. At its peak, some 200 people from 10 departments battled the blaze, but
lost.
"Last night was hard to watch the roof cave in," said Father Ken Frisch. "It was probably the hardest part and that happened fairly quickly, and then it was just waiting for other things to go. The bells finally came crashing down from the steeple about midnight."
On Thursday, firefighters slept or just watched along with scores of others as the big oak timbers continued to burn.
"When (the steeple) basically came apart, it just folded apart, just like a teepee," said Chief Dave Kosharek, who continues to investigate the cause of the fire.
Firefighters were able to save some church statutes, now stained with soot.
"It's a loss -- it's going to be a big change," Kosharek said.
Kosharek said he doesn't believe foul play was involved. He told News 3 he thinks the cause will remain undetermined.
Frisch told News 3 that rebuilding the church is one of many options that will be
discussed in the coming months.
Copyright 2002 by Channel 3000. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
VIDEO: 
SLIDESHOW: 
