Mar 30, 2026
COLUMBIA mdash; The state Fire Marshal's Office said Monday that two men had been arrested in connection with a deliberately set fire at a Catholic church in Caldwell Parish.nbsp;Anthony Dillion Jr. 19, and James Smith IV, 20, both of Columbia, are charged with one count each of simple arson of a r eligious building and criminal conspiracy.The fire at St. John Chapel was reported Friday morning, on the eve of Holy Week, the most-solemn time on the Roman Catholic calendar. St. John is the only Catholic church in the parish.nbsp;ldquo;It is deeply unfortunate that this has occurred at any time,rdquo; said Bishop Robert Marshall, ldquo;but especially as we prepare to enter the most sacred season of Holy Week and Easter.rdquo;The Diocese of Alexandria said Masses have been moved to the Winters Clinic next to Caldwell Memorial Hospital in Columbia.nbsp;Marshall said the church was also burglarized and vandalized. No injuries were reported.A special restoration fund has been established at the diocesan website.Permalink| Comments ...read more read less
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