Flames destroy Queens church on Holy Saturday

BREEZY POINT, Queens (WABC) -- Flames destroyed a Catholic church in Queens on Holy Saturday, the same church devastated by a Superstorm Sandy-fueled fire almost 13 years ago.

The fire started just before 2 p.m. at Saint Edmund Church on Rockaway Point Boulevard between Arcadia Walk and Beach 207 Street in Breezy Point.

Over 100 fire and EMS workers responded to the scene. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries.

There was no Holy Saturday Mass scheduled, but church members were there earlier in the afternoon preparing for Easter Sunday.

The pews would have been filled with parishioners on Sunday for Easter Mass, but they are instead covered in soot. Not much inside the church could be salvaged - the pastor's chair was among the ruined items.

Parishioners watched helplessly as firefighters worked to extinguish the flames and carry holy statues from the ruins. The parish was able to save a statue of Jesus and a crucifix that were unscathed, perhaps a symbol of hope for parishioners as they prepare to celebrate Easter.

"It's the holiest season there is in the Catholic Church and it's devastating for it to happen," said parishioner Pat McCarthy.

The community of Breezy Point is as tight-knit as they come. Houses sit only feet from the church.

Kelly Morgan has been a parishioner for 17 years.

"One of my friends came by to see the fire and he said he's supposed to get married here on December 5," Morgan said.

Hours after the fire was put out, the church was boarded up -- and not for the first time either.

Superstorm Sandy destroyed all but one statue of the Blessed Mother, which now sits outside the church. The church was later rebuilt.

The congregation may be shaken, but not defeated.

"It's sad because they were getting ready for Easter tomorrow and the landscapers were here yesterday and the day before -- it's really sad, I hope they rebuild it," said Gina Mason.

Saint Edmund Church is one of three churches within the Blessed Trinity Parish in Breezy Point, so parishioners won't have to go so far to celebrate Easter Mass.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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