Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
The Associated Press
Melrose, Minn.

Fire damages historic church in central Minnesota

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

A fire has caused extensive damage to a historic church in central Minnesota.

Crews were called late Friday afternoon to Church of St. Mary in Melrose and sprayed water onto the building into the evening.

The St. Cloud Times reports the fire apparently started on the west end of the building, where the sacristy is located.

No one was hurt. But preliminary estimates peg the damage at $1 million or more.

The state fire marshal's office is investigating. The Department of Public Safety says federal agents will be contacted, which is standard procedure in fires at religious structures.

Crews from Sauk Centre, Melrose and Freeport battled the blaze. The building dates to the 1890s.