MADISON — The Blessed Sacrament was safely removed from Holy Redeemer Church in Madison after a late morning fire on May 24.
Crews from the Madison Fire Department were called to the church, located on W. Johnson St. in downtown Madison, just before 11:30 a.m. when multiple callers to 911 reported fire in the steeple.
Firefighters were able to put the fire out in about an hour.
Fire damage was limited to the upper portion of the steeple and there was some smoke damage inside the building.
However, there was water damage to the back third of the church and there is a need for significant cleanup.
A cleaner for the church said that he and one other person were in the church basement when lightning struck.
They were able to safely leave the building.
The Madison Fire Department is investigating a lightning strike as the cause of the fire.
Perpetual Adoration has resumed in the Perpetual Adoration Chapel on the lower level of the church building.
Cleaning and final drying of the entryway, balcony, organ, and nave will be completed soon.
The assessment of the stability of the steeple is still ongoing.
Response and strength
“I’m grateful and very impressed with the response of the firefighter teams, our disaster response team from Paul Davis, and I was particularly impressed with our staff team at Our Lady of Guadalupe pastorate,” said Fr. Drew Olson, parochial administrator of Our Lady of Guadalupe Pastorate of which Holy Redeemer is a part.
“Into the Deep offered us an opportunity to work together, united in prayer, to provide effective, efficient, and caring communication and coordination on the parish side, which would not have been possible without coming together,” he added.
Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison said, “I offer my prayers, support, and solidarity to the parishioners of Our Lady of Guadalupe Pastorate and to Fr. Drew Olson.
“Holy Redeemer Church is a pillar of our diocese, a historic treasure for the city of Madison, and a powerful downtown presence for the Catholic Church and Eucharistic Adoration.”
Recalling the fire at St. Raphael Cathedral in Madison in 2005, the bishop added, “Hearing of a church fire in downtown Madison brings back difficult memories for many of us. We give thanks to God that, in this instance, the fire was contained to the steeple. I am grateful that no one was injured and extend my deepest appreciation to the Madison Fire Department.”
Next steps
Damage and restoration assessments and estimates are continuing to be worked on.
Efforts are being made to salvage the steeple’s copper shingles and the clock that adorns the steeple.
The Madison Fire Department, as part of its investigation, had been asking members of the public for any pictures or videos of the suspected lightning strike that happened shortly before the fire started.
As of this printing, Masses, other liturgies, and all other activities have been moved for the time being until the assessment of needed repairs is completed and the safety of parishioners can be assured.
Visit the Our Lady of Guadalupe Pastorate website, guadalupemadison.org and Facebook page for updates.