Lightning struck steeple grounded for repairs

Ken Johnston
editorial@rainyriverrecord.com

The Pinewood skyline changed dramatically last week when the steeple on Our Lady of the Way Catholic Church was removed.
The steeple was struck by lightning on August 14, 2001 and could have caused the full destruction of the church had the fire departments of Pinewood, Stratton and Rainy River not been summoned to the scene as promptly as they had.
About mid day on the 14th, lightning struck near the church. Father James Panikulam said that he knew the strike was nearby but did not suspect the church had been hit. It smoldered for a couple of hours before it became apparent that there was fire burning away the inside of the steeple.
The three fire departments climbed up to the steeple and extinguished the fire within an hour of the call out. Insured, the 101 year old church will be completely restored once the steeple is repaired. The inside was recently renovated as was the exterior of the church.
Last Monday the steeple was removed using a crane. Contractor John Sinninghe has been working diligently to remove the interior wood lining of the steeple and has been replacing it. It is expected that the steeple will be put back today or tomorrow.