Church built more than a century ago destroyed by fire in the community of NB

MONCTON –

A church built more than a century ago was destroyed by a morning fire in Shemogue, New Brunswick on Thursday.

Cap-Pelé Fire Chief Ronald Cormier says his department responded to a call around 6:00 a.m. about a fire in Saint-Timothée parish, just off Highway 15.

Five different fire departments from surrounding communities responded to the fire, including Shediac, Beaubassin-est and Port Elgin. Despite his efforts, Cormier says the building was a total loss.

Cormier says the fire that started outside the church was small when crews initially arrived at the scene, but high winds and snow early Thursday made control difficult. The flames spread throughout the church and into the attic, destroying the entire building.

The church belongs to the Archdiocese of Moncton and according to its website, construction of the house of worship began in 1903 and ended in 1916. The building was then moved by horses across the ice to the other side of the river in ‘ Avard’s Corner ‘. in 1917.

Crews were able to salvage some elements of the building, including the church bell tower that collapsed early this morning.

Cormier says an investigation into what started the fire is ongoing.