Church STEEPLE COLLAPSES – Fire Guts HISTORIC Site!

Daily Report June 03,2025

As the historic St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Maria Stein was consumed by flames, its steeple collapsed, yet the community’s spirit remains unbroken.

At a Glance

The fire destroyed the iconic church steeple, but the walls may still stand strong.
The fire erupted during roofing work, leading to swift destruction.
Archbishop Casey supported the community with a special Mass.
Hope prevails as the community rallies to rebuild and recover.

A Historic Loss and a Community’s Resilience

On Thursday, an afternoon of routine maintenance took a tragic turn as the historic St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Maria Stein erupted in flames. The fire, which began around 2:30 p.m., quickly spread with astonishing speed. As workers replacing shingles noticed the smoke, they called for immediate help. Despite quick responses, the fire substantially damaged the church’s iconic structure, including the collapse of its towering steeple.

Watch coverage here.

Hope is not lost. Fire crews quickly salvaged valuables, using cranes to retrieve church bells. Though the roof and steeple have succumbed to the blaze, experts suggest that the solid walls might still be intact. The Archdiocese of Cincinnati is currently assessing the extent of the damage, keeping faith that the community’s symbol can be saved.

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Strength in Faith and Support

On Friday, an outpouring of faith was evident as Archbishop Robert Casey joined parish members at the nearby Precious Blood Catholic Church. The archbishop delivered an uplifting sermon, emphasizing unity and reliance on faith. As he eloquently expressed, “This is what we do as family. When faced with difficult situations, we come together, we lean on each other, we lean on God”.

While the community absorbed the loss, they also demonstrated remarkable resilience. Parishioners live-streamed the Mass, ensuring that support extended beyond the church walls. The weekend masses for St. John’s have temporarily shifted to Precious Blood Catholic Church, giving the congregation a place to gather and heal.

A Community United in Recovery

Residents, including Nick Schulze, voiced profound connections to the church, a central fixture in their lives. “I was baptized here, I made my first communion here, I was confirmed here… when all of this settles, I’ll be buried here”. The heartfelt words capture not just a personal testament, but the collective resilience that defines this tight-knit community.

The investigation into the fire’s cause continues, led by the state fire marshal. Meanwhile, the community doesn’t sit idle; they are removing debris and supporting fire crews by providing meals and supplies. There’s a palpable sense of determination to reclaim and restore what remains.