Bannockburn church to be knocked down after suspicious fire

UPDATE: The early morning fire that destroyed a historic church near Geelong is now being treated as suspicious.

The arson squad is investigating the blaze that gutted the St John the Evangelist church at Bannockburn.

The blaze broke out at 4.15am, but despite the efforts of four CFA crews from Corio, Lethbridge and Bannockburn, the High Street building couldn’t be saved.

The church is expected to be knocked down.

A new priest was due to arrive in Bannockburn today to take over the church, with Father Herman due to return to the Philippines in just over a fortnight after six years at the Parish.

Parish coordinator Diane Richie said there had been plenty of tears and hugs this morning and that the entire church community is devastated.

She said they had been planning to expand the church and the saddest part was that they’d lost everything inside including sacred vessels, books and statues that had been donated. 

Sunday’s service is expected to be held at Sacred Heart at Inverleigh.