8/18/2007

Fire destroys sanctuary of Dallas church

DALLAS -- A five-alarm fire swept through a Dallas church Friday night, destroying much of the sanctuary.

The blaze at the St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Oak Cliff started at around 10:20 p.m., Dallas fire officials said.

Flames were confined to the sanctuary of the building located at 1809 West Davis Street.

Firefighters are not sure how the blaze started, but said heavy layers of roofing material made it difficult for them to bring the fire under control.

Neighbors and members of the church gathered at the site of the fire throughout the night to watch and pray as the firefighters worked.

"We are people of hope and people of prayer and people of strong faith," said Father Ed Paredes, pastor of St. Cecilia's. "The church will be rebuilt."

The church was founded in 1933 and plans to celebrate its 75th anniversary next year.

WFAA-TV photojournalist Robert Flagg contributed to this report.