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Historic Church in Großröhrsdorf to Receive Emergency Roof
In a heartening development, the partially burnt down Stadtkirche in Großröhrsdorf, Saxony, is set to be secured with an emergency roof in January. The church suffered significant damage in a devastating fire in August 2023, but a glimmer of hope shines through with the immense amount of donations received.
“The construction of the emergency roof will commence from January 22nd, weather permitting,” announced the board and pastor on the official website of the Protestant church community.
Brief Setback and Subsequent Actions
Following the fire, initial clearance work around the ruins involved pruning trees and felling those extensively damaged, thus creating the necessary space for scaffolding to be erected around the landmark.
Arson Attack and Suspect
The blaze, which broke out on the night of August 4th, 2023, consumed the roof, interior of the church, and the once 50-meter-high bell tower, which was visible from afar. Tragically, numerous historical artifacts and architectural elements were lost in the rubble. A suspect was identified and apprehended a week later, hailing from a neighboring village near the small town of Großröhrsdorf, situated approximately 25 kilometers east of Dresden.
The 41-year-old suspect confessed to intentionally setting the fire by throwing a bottle filled with gasoline through a window, and he is currently in custody awaiting trial for severe arson. The accused was formally charged at the end of the year.
Community Support and Plans for the Future
Despite the devastation, the church council decided in August to construct a new place of worship on the same location, incorporating the remaining historic fragments. Generous donations from the community have been pouring in since the catastrophe, amounting to an impressive €427,300 as of January 12th.
“The received donations will also be used for the construction of the new church,” the church council expressed gratitude on their website, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity and the preservation of history.
With plans for a brighter future and the imminent installation of the emergency roof, the people of Großröhrsdorf eagerly anticipate the resurgence of their cherished church, symbolizing both resilience and unity.