Jasper County Democrat, Volume 11, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 June 1908 — CROWDED CHURCH IS SET ON FIRE [ARTICLE]

CROWDED CHURCH IS SET ON FIRE

COOLNEBS OF PRIEBTB ALONE SAVES MANY FROM DEATH. PEOPLE QUIETLY SENT OUT Shocking Case of Incendiarism Nsar Berlin Where Throng Gathered to Hear a Famous Dominican Monk. '* 0 Berlin, June 9. —An attempt was made Monday to burn down the old SL Paulas Catholic church at Moabit, belonging to the Dominicans, which was crowded with people assembled to hear a sermon by the famous Dominican monk, Bonaventurl. About 1,800 persons were present, including more . than a thousand women ad children, to hear the mass. While the congregation was kneeling in silent prayer some one informed Father Bonaventurl that the church was afire. Without alarming the congregation, he coolly stepped over to the priest who was celebrating mass and requested him to close the service. Geod Work by the Priests. The priest left the altar and spoke to his six assistants, who walked down the aisles and whispered to the pewholders that an insignificant blaze had broken out and that they had better leave the building as soon as possible. At this time the entire roof of the church was a mass of flames and the fire brigade was hurrying to the burning building. Those in the church, not knowing the extent of the blaze, fortunately did not realize their peril, and on the clergy's request made their exit rapidly and in an orderly manner. Firebrands on ffie Roof. When they reached the streets they found the firemen drawn up, with ladders against the walls. The fire fighters discovered that nearly a dozen firebrands, soaked with petroleum, had been distributed about various parts of the roof. The flames were extinguished with difficulty after great damage had been done. The ’ police suspect a gang of incendiaries, who, it is stated, set fire to the old Garrison church, which was destroyed on April 14 last The firemen declare that only the coolness of the clergy prevented a great disaster.