The Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 714 S. Eddy, is nearing completion after the catastrophic fire that destroyed the old building two years ago.
Fire at Fort Scott’s Catholic Church Causes Extensive Damage
They are currently working on the intricate painting inside the dome of the church, Mark McCoy, of the Parish Building Committee, said.
Through these two years the congregation has been holding Mass in the Kennedy Gym, “beginning the first day after the fire on August 29, 2022,” said Calvin Joe Barr, a long-term church member.
A contractor was hired, the Simpson Construction Company of Wichita, to rebuild the building and it will look like the old historic building that was built in 1864.
The original artifacts that were saved are being restored, with financial help still needed for this project by the professional restorer.
And the church parish has been fundraising.
The Knights of Columbus are having another fundraiser this Friday, Sept. 13 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Kennedy Gym, located behind the church at 704 S. Holbrook.
It will be a spaghetti and meatballs dinner with salad, garlic bread, dessert and drink. (Spaghetti with sauce only available)
The meal is a freewill offering, with to-go meals at $8 minimum.
Everyone is welcome, Barr said.
All the proceeds go to the church building fund.
On Saturday, November 24, 2024, the new church building will be dedicated by the Bishop Carl Kemme of Wichita.
“It’s sure to be packed with past priests, the Bishop, and church parishioners and their families,” said McCoy.
The parish priest rectory has been completed as well, and Father Yancey Burgess moved in at the end of June, Barr said.