FORT SCOTT, Kan. — After spending decades in this church, Sharon Halsey-Hoover had to see the damage up close.
“Very, very devastating to see the pictures last night," said Halsey-Hoover.
The historic Mary Queen of Angels church in Fort Scott, Kansas was struck by lightning Monday night, tearing the roof apart.
Many in the congregation stood outside and watched it burn, praying it wouldn't be destroyed, and it wasn't.
“Oh, that’s such a huge relief," said Halsey-Hoover.
The church building is 162 years old and the congregation originated in 1860, making it the oldest church in the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, which covers over 25 counties in south Kansas.
“It’s the church of my grandparents, and some people, some of our parishioners, it’s the church of their great grandparents and great great grandparents, you know, it just goes back generations," said Josh Regan, parishioner.
The church means a lot to the congregation and was home to many milestones.
“Got married here, all four of my children were baptized here and made their first communions and all that. Two of them were married here. My parents were both buried here," said Halsey-Hoover.
The church congregation asks for prayers at this time. They will also update their Facebook page with ways to help in the coming days.
The most notable blessing parishioners say is that the church is still standing and can be repaired.
“It has withstood a severe trauma, but it hasn’t been destroyed," said Halsey-Hoover.
There were no injuries reported from the fire.
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