Fire destroys historic Westphalia church

Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to a fire that destroyed The Church of the Visitation in Westphalia this morning.

Falls County officials said the call came in around 8 a.m. at The Church of the Visitation at 114 County Rd 3000. The church is a historical marker and would have celebrated its 125th anniversary this year.

The church opened in 1895. The first mass was said to be in 1882. The original church building, that was completed in 1884, was destroyed by a storm. It was one of the largest wooden church buildings in the state of Texas.

“I am saddened for the people of Westphalia who have suffered this tremendous loss,” said Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, Bishop of the Diocese of Austin. “I am grateful for all the firefighters and departments that responded to the fire.  Please join me in keeping the people of this historic parish in your prayers today as they try to piece together this tragedy.”
 
The parish was founded in 1883 and currently serves 244 families. The church is led by Father Edwin Kagoo.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. No one was hurt in the fire.

Fire departments from Lott, Bruceville-Eddy, Rogers, Troy, Temple, Bremond, Westphalia, Reagan, Rosebud and Marlin as well as the Falls County Sheriff's Office responded to the fire.