Historic Casa Grande church demolished after arson last year | Community

CASA GRANDE, Ariz. (KVOA) – The historic St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Casa Grande is currently being demolished.

This church, which has stood for more than 65 years, is being torn down due to damage from an arson incident last October. The arson suspect, caught on surveillance footage wearing a hood, remains unidentified, according to Casa Grande police.

Despite the damage, the church community has continued their services in a temporary building.

“Today was a day we were sort of dreading for it not to come because we obviously love this building and this church,” said Father Jesus Gomez of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. “Slowly but surely we will rebuild as a sign of hope.”

As the demolition progresses, the community remains focused on honoring the church’s legacy and looking toward rebuilding.

The on site crew said this process is expected to take a couple of weeks.