HANKINSON, N.D. (trfnews.i234.me) – A benefit event for St. Philip’s Catholic Church is scheduled for Sunday, January 26, at the Hankinson Community Center. The event will run from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., featuring a meal available for free will donations and a bake sale to raise funds for the church.
On Monday, December 16, fire departments from Hankinson, Lidgerwood, and Wahpeton responded to a fire in the west bell tower of the church, which is over 100 years old. The fire occurred around 4:30 p.m. According to Paul Braun with the Diocese of Fargo, two parishioners entered the church after the fire was reported to remove the Blessed Sacrament and other sacred items but were advised to leave due to safety concerns.
The Diocese reports extensive damage to the church ceiling. A section of the ceiling collapsed, and the rest suffered significant water damage, likely requiring a full replacement.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me