Update: Fire at St. Philip’s Catholic Church in Hankinson caused ‘extensive damage’

HANKISON, N.D. (KVRR) – The North Dakota Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of Monday’s fire at St. Philip’s Catholic Church in Hankinson, North Dakota.

The fire was reported at 4:20 p.m. and was under control by 8:15 p.m.

Officials say there is extensive damage to the church ceiling, both the collapsed section and the remainder of the ceiling, which has major water damage, and will most likely need to be replaced in its entirety.

“Based on preliminary inspections, it’s likely the church can be saved, but a final determination won’t be made until after further structural inspections,” according to Diocese of Fargo spokesman Paul Braun.

“Two parishioners entered the church shortly after the fire was reported and removed the Blessed Sacrament and a few sacred articles and vestments before being told not to re-enter the structure,” Braun said.

Church officials say it appears the fire was concentrated mainly in the attic of the church. No cause has been determined and there is no cost estimate of the damages.

The Franciscan Sisters of Dillingen have offered their convent chapel as a worship space for the parish this weekend’s Masses, Christmas Masses, and for the foreseeable future. The pastors of two Lutheran churches in Hankinson offered their worship spaces as well.