The priest in charge of St Paul's at East Devonport was saddened by news a fire was allegedly deliberately lit in his church.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Father John Tongue said the parish had plans to move to the East Devonport church permanently in the near future.
Recently they have been holding services on alternating Sundays at St Paul's and St John's in the Devonport CBD.
The church was planning on selling St John's to fund the national redress scheme for survivor's of institutional sex abuse, but now those plans have to be delayed.
"It's sad that someone would think it is fun to do that," Father Tongue said.
"It's a shame, I guess, that some people are just looking for their fifteen minutes of glory."
I don't worship a building, but it is a place that our heritage gave us.
- Parishioner Elaine Ritson
Father Tongue said it was the second time the church had been burnt by arsonists, though the previous fire had been much more destructive.
In 2001 a man entered the church and set the pews alight.
"This one could have been much worse, thankfully there was someone nearby who was able to ring the fire brigade."
The fire caused about $200,000 worth of damage but the building remains structurally sound.
Father Tongue said a church had been standing on that site since 1879, but the original church building was destroyed in a storm shortly after construction.
However, Father Tongue's faith was not shaken and he vowed the parish could continue despite the damage.
Parishioner Elaine Ritson has been attending St Paul's for 55 years, and said the church meant family to her.
"I don't worship a building, but it is a place that our heritage gave us," she said.
"I am just so grateful for the emergency services and all the wonderful members of the community."
IN OTHER NEWS
She said her phone had been ringing 'off the hook' all night Tuesday with messages of support from the community.
Acting Detective Inspector Anthea Maingay said police had charged one youth with arson, and two other youths were assisting the investigation.
"It would not have taken much for it to really take hold. It's most definitely as a result of [emergency services] prompt actions that we've been able to minimise the damage," she said.
Anyone who may have mobile phone or dashcam footage of the fire is asked to contact police on 131 444.
While you're with us, did you know that you can now sign up to receive breaking news updates and daily headlines direct to your inbox?