See first Mass in local church since 2021 fire

Source: WKBN
Author: Abigail Cloutier

HUBBARD, Ohio (WKBN) - Over three years ago, St. Patrick Church caught fire and closed. That devastated the community. Sunday, for the first time since the fire, the Youngstown Diocese held Mass inside.

"Just a few moments ago, we each did something that we have not been able to do in this space for three years. We crossed the threshold and entered this church," Bishop David Bonnar said.

Every single pew was full for the momentous Mass as hundreds in the Hubbard community gathered to celebrate the church's reopening after the fire three years ago that caused millions in damages.

Father Michael Swierz has led the parish through it all.

"It means so much to so many people that are here. We've waited a long time. We were faced with many difficulties and delays. But now the time has come for us to come together today," he said.

Bishop David Bonnar led the church through Mass and blessed those in attendance. As he did, he acknowledged the firefighters who risked their lives on Jan. 18, 2021, to save the "heart of the church" - the Tabernacle.

Fred Behnke was one of the firefighters who slid it across a ladder on top of a collapsing floor.

"I knew...what it meant to the church, what it meant to the people, what it meant to me," he said.

"It was very emotional."

The church's reopening is even more special to him because he and his family are active parishioners there.

"It's very nice to have all the community back. Once the church wasn't there, we didn't know what we were going to do," Behnke said.

Jay Crafton is a parishioner and was one of many church members who was there the night of the fire. He's also one of the architects that helped rebuild.

"The night of the fire was scary. And we weren't sure what the next step was," he said.

"Since then and getting engaged with the rebuilding, it has become a labor of love and respect."