HOSTYN, Texas — The Fayette County Sheriff's Office Thursday morning shared photos showing a dramatic fire at the Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Hostyn.
Officials first reported the fire around 7:30 a.m., stating that FM 2436 was completely shut down. They were asking the public to avoid the area so first responders could work.
Officials later reported that the initial 911 call came in at 6:30 a.m. for reports of an explosion. The initial cause appears to be a gas leak, but multiple agencies will be investigating to rule out any potential criminal activity.
An elderly woman was at the church and was burned. She was taken by Fayette County EMS to Dell-Seton Hospital in Austin. As of Tuesday, June 14, the woman was in a stable condition.
The LaGrange Fire Department, Schulenburg Fire Department, Muldoon Fire Department and Fayetteville Fire Department are assisting.
Diana Kallus has been a member of the church for 54 years.
"It's sentimental. Our children were married here, baptized our grandchildren here, its a sad day but we will be OK," said Kallus.
According to the church's website, the current building has been in place since 1966. It is the fourth site for the church, the first being built in 1869. The second church was built in 1888, but it too burned in 1907. The third was constructed in 1908.
Hostyn is located about six miles south of La Grange.
Click here for more history about the church.
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