BENWOOD, W.Va. — The cause of the fire that ripped through St. John Catholic Church in Benwood Monday night has officially been ruled “undetermined” by investigators with the state Fire Marshal’s Office.
The Wheeling-Charleston Diocese said investigators were able to trace the origin of the fire but not the cause. Arson and foul play have been ruled out according to Diocese spokesman Brian Minor.
Minor said the Diocese hired two structural engineering firms that began work on Wednesday “to determine the structural integrity of the building, with focus on the walls and floor of the church.”
Minor said it may take engineers another week to determine the structural strength of the outside walls that remain standing.
“Therefore, we cannot estimate the damages, and we cannot say the building is a total loss. It’s painful for all of us to sit and wait, but we want to move forward with an abundance of caution,” Minor said.
The structural integrity of the building will also impact the elementary school that it attached to it. Students are off until April 13, Minor said there’s a possibility another site will have to be found to complete the school year.
Easter weekend services for those at St. John’s will be held at its sister church St James Parish in McMechen. Further information can be found at by clicking here.