A massive blaze destroyed the rooftop and damaged the interior of Sacred Heart of Jesus, Polish National Catholic Church at 2200 5th St. NE. Captain Anura Si-Asar of Minneapolis Fire Department reported firefighters responded to the fire at 6:52 p.m. Monday, April 19. The two-alarm fire had flames shooting off the roof as well as the bell tower. The interior of the church sustained heavy damage from water and soot after the roof and ceiling collapsed. Father John Kutek, the pastor at church said, “All the parishioners have the church in their hearts, and all are grieving the loss.”
The wood/stucco structure was built in 1914 and because of this construction, it was like tinder. There were no reported injuries. Responding to the Northeaster, Minneapolis Fire Chief Bryan Tyner said the cause of the fire was undetermined. “Investigators were not able to access the building due to the structural damage” he said. “The case will remain open.”
Although the city was on edge awaiting the verdict of the Chauvin trial, a spokesperson for the parish, Caroline Kutek, wanted to let the community know that the fire “was not connected in any way to George Floyd/Derek Chauvin or protestors.” Whatever the outcome of the fire investigation, she wanted to communicate to all that “holding hate in your heart will never bring our church back and we would like to rally to build our community together.”
Miraculously, items were salvaged from the church. Parishioners and neighbors were there to help with recovery. The altar, pews, some figures and the stations of the cross were saved. Other statues and stained glass will need repair and with funding, they can be rescued. All the church vestments were destroyed except incredibly – the vestment that Father Kutek wore when he was first ordained a priest back in Poland. That garment was spared and suffered no damage.
Sacred Heart of Jesus is part of the Polish National Catholic Church (PNCC). The PNCC was founded in 1897 in Scranton, Penn., over theological differences with the Roman Catholic Church. A few of the differences: The PNCC is not under jurisdiction of the Pope or Vatican and is set up in a democratic fashion locally. The PNCC also allows priests to marry and have a family. In 1991, Father Kutek immigrated from Poland and since 1993 he has been dedicated in serving as the pastor. He and his wife and children have felt the church was a great part of the family dynamic and call it home.
Looking forward from this disaster, Fr. Kutek stated, “The church will rise out of the ashes and although this is devasting to the church, as Christians and Catholics we want to move forward in peace.” Sunday morning Holy Mass is now being held at 10:00 a.m. at Pulaski Auditorium (2114 5th St NE), the parish hall located across the street from the church. Most of the parishioners and their families have been attending this parish for generations. Counseling is available after the Sunday service for any parishioner who needs help dealing with the loss.
COVID-19 had already impacted the parish financially and the fire added considerably to that burden. Father Kutek is “waiting for a light from above and guidance from God” on what the future holds for the parish. One can never fully understand the damage a fire can do to a parish and any donations to help the church to go forward would be appreciated. Checks can be sent to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church at 420 22nd Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418. A GoFundme account has been set up at
gofundme.com/f/help-sacred-heart-rebuild-our-church.
Below: Firefighters fought the Monday night blaze April 19 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Polish National Catholic Church, 2200 5th St. NE. Fr. John Kutek, quoted in the May 2 Star Tribune, said dents on the door indicate to him that someone may have broken in and set the fire; the cause is still under investigation. (Photo by Patti Hoffmann) Fire damaged the bell tower, and the roof gave way. Efforts are underway to salvage whatever is possible. (Photos by Mike Madison)
