Fire after break-in at Hamilton church causes up to $75k in damage: police | CBC News

A Hamilton church cancelled masses after a fire this week, but its annual Christmas Bazaar is still on. 

A message on the St. John the Baptist Facebook page states that the fire started after a break-in.

“There are some damages done but by the Grace of God, no one was hurt and no Holy items were damaged. Please pray for our Parish.” 

The post says masses were cancelled this week and directs parishioners to masses at St. Eugene’s Parish at 232 Queenston Rd. 

CBC Hamilton contacted St. John the Baptist for comment but did not hear back before publication. 

Arson unit investigating

Hamilton police told CBC Hamilton someone called 911 about the fire at the church at 128 Edgemont St. S. in Hamilton’s Delta East neighbourhood on Wednesday around 1 p.m.

When officers arrived to assist firefighters, the church was full of smoke, a police spokesperson said in an email. The back room of the church was on fire, the main altar and the second wooden altar were burnt, and a small window was broken, police said. “The church was also tossed with items all over the sanctuary.” 

Additionally, two cases of worship wine were taken. Police say they estimate $50,000 to $75,000 dollars of damage occurred. They say they have no information on suspects and that the arson unit is investigating. 

The church is still going ahead with its annual Christmas bazaar at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Elementary School gym Friday evening and Saturday morning. 

Police forwarded a report on the fire to the hate crime unit, however they said “at this time, there is no evidence to suggest that this was a hate incident.”