Hope remains to save historic Catholic church engulfed in flames, Archdiocese says
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News Center 7's John Bedell has spent the day in Maria Stein working to learn more about the fire and the impact it's had on the community. He'll have the latest tonight on News Center 7 at 5:00 and 6:00.
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Crews were called to the fire at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Maria Stein around 2:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Workers on the roof were placing shingles when they saw smoke and called 911. Large flames and black smoke were later seen coming from the church.
>> PHOTOS: Smoke, flames pour from large fire at local Catholic church
The steeple of the church eventually collapsed during the fire.
The church hasn't been cleared as safe to go inside yet, but crews started the salvage work from the outside on Friday.
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