AUBURN — Parishioners are finding out that the future of St. Louis Roman Catholic church in Auburn is looking increasingly bleak.

Church members learned at a meeting Sunday that compounding structural problems have led church officials to recommend to the bishop that the 1905 building be deconsecrated and demolished.

The church has cracks in the masonry and water damage. The light fixtures are so old that the bulbs needed are no longer made. The building needs to be completely rewired. Three rickety spires have already been removed.

The Sun Journal reports that the total cost of repairs is estimated at more than $1 million. Tearing it down would cost just $120,000.

Some parishioners are angry, suggesting the diocese sell some other church property to help pay for repairs at St. Louis.


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