Fire that damaged, postponed services at Franklin church being investigated as arson

FRANKLIN, Mass. — The fire that damaged a church in Franklin Wednesday night is being investigated as an act of arson, officials said Thursday.

“Houses of worship play a vital role in every community, and our hearts go out to everyone who made St. Mary’s a part of their lives,” said Franklin Chief James McLaughlin. “We’re deeply relieved that no one was injured and that firefighters were able to contain the fire damage.”

Police officers and firefighters responded to St. Mary’s Catholic Church around 5:45 pm after a fire alarm activation.

Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire and ventilate the heavy smoke throughout the building.

“The pastor went up and investigated the room before we got here on arrival and shut the door and we think that was very instrumental by him shutting that door, that prevented any further spread of the fire,” said Chief James Mclaughlin.

Based on witness interviews and evidence gathered, investigators determined the fire was intentionally set.

“That hurts us more to see an act of violence to see an act of hatred in a house of worship in any house of worship, especially here at St. Mary’s and I just want to encourage our community to pray for this individual,” said Father Bob Poitras. “We can’t respond hatred with hatred, violence with violence, the only thing we can overcome with is love and we have to remember that right now.”

McLaughlin says the church will need to be closed for at least the next month because of all the smoke damage to the inside of the building. The church had at least 8 baptisms scheduled for this weekend, along with funerals on Thursday and Friday.

“Our parish has gone through a couple weeks of suffering,” said Fr. Poitras. “We just recently lost a beloved priest whose funeral mass was supposed to be today and because of last night’s situation, we weren’t able to offer him the services that he deserves.”

A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered by the Arson Watch Program and the ATF to anyone with information leading to an arrest.

“We’re asking anyone with information on this fire to share it with investigators,” said State Fire Marshal Jon Davine. “Call the Arson Watch Reward Program at 1-800-682-9229. Tipsters can remain anonymous if they wish.”

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