Fire damages newly renovated Lawrence church

LAWRENCE, Neb. (KSNB) - In a heartbreaking development, a fire damaged Sacred Heart Church in Lawrence just when it was nearly done with a renovation project.

Catholic Diocese of Lincoln spokesman Dennis Kellogg said a parishioner discovered smoke coming from the church’s sanctuary about 5:45 a.m. Thursday. Kellogg said the Lawrence fire department responded quickly, but was unable to prevent extensive damage to the floor and heavy smoke damage inside the church.

Photos provided by the diocese showed the floor collapsed in one area of the church and heavy smoke damage to interior walls.

Kellogg said the parish had nearly finished an extensive renovation project before the fire started. The church will be closed for the near future. Kellogg said parishioners would be able to attend mass at St. Stephen Church in Lawrence or at Assumption Church in DeWeese.

Lincoln Bishop James Conley said in a statement, “It is so unfortunate. Their renovations were almost complete. Thanks be to God nobody was hurt and it was discovered early in the morning and the church was saved.”

Kellogg said the fire is under investigation and that the cause was not immediately known.