Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-08-31
THIEVES SEEKING
WINE BLAMEDFOR
BLAZE IN CHURCH
Old St. James Damaged
$4,000 as Pastor Risks
Life to Save VaIuabIeS.
REV. G. w. ATKINSON
THRICE ENTERS EDIFICE
Crowd Of 1000 Sees Fight for Sa.
cred Objects and Work
of Firemen. q.

Ninth precinct police and representa-
tives Of the fire marshal's ONCE were
investigating today the three alarm
blaze which last night swept old ST.
James Episcopal Church, 200 block OF
Eighth street northeast, causing damage
estimated at approximately $4,000.
The theory the fire was caused by
thieves in quest of sacramento wine
was advanced by the pastor, Rev
George w. Atkinson, who thrice braved
the flames and smoke to remove the
Blessed Sacrament and other sacred
objects from the burning building as q
crowd of about 1000 looked on.
This theory also was adopted by
Capt. Michael Raedy. ninth precinct
commander, who ordered the investi-
CATION after Father Atkinson revealed
the edif1ce had been entered by wine
After the visit of the thieves, who
stole half a gallon of wine, Father
Atkinson said, burned matches were
found scattered about the floor. Nc
wine was in the building last night
however, he added.
Fire Starts in Closet.
The church was closed at 4 O'Clock
yesterday afternoon, the paster pointed
waited until after nightfall to break
into the edifice. The blaze broke out
in a closet in the choir room, where
altar boys cassocks and SUPPLIES
were kept.
"Quite a number of candles also were
in. the closet" Father Atkinson said
"A match dropped there could have
caused the fire to start very quickly.
Because Of the church'S proximity to
Casualty Hospital. which is at the next
corner, f1remen responded to the alarms
with more than ordinary speed How
ever, little excitement was reported
among the patients. Nurses and in
terneS move among them, assuring them
there was no danger. They apparently
were more curious than frightened
hospital attaches said.
Summoned from his home at 28oo
Thirty-flf street by Miss Rachel Havi-
land, who rents the rectory adjoining
the edifice. Father Atkinson unhesitat-
ingly entered the side door and made his
way to the altar. despite the fact the
blaze was at its height.
Visiting Priest on Scene.
He was accompanied to the church
by Rev. Edward NJ Mckinley. chaplain
of the Sisters of St. Ann, Kingston
N. Y, who is visiting him. Father
Atkinson removed the Blessed Sacra-
ment and carried 1t to safety as fire.
men clambered about on the roof and
flames licked at crucifix near the top
With Father Mckinley at his side, the
pastor entered the edifice twice more
carrying out veStments and works Of
art. Among the latter was a painting
of the Madonna, said by Father Atkin.
son to be very valuable. It was Slightly
damaged by water.
Chalices, patenS, ciboriums and com.
munion plates were locked in a safe ir
the sacristy. Convinced they were safe
the priests did not remove them.
Miss Haviland and DR.. William E
Bowman, a physician at the hospital
discovered the fire almost simultane-
ously. They telephoned the Fire De.
partment. The other two alarms were
sounded within the next Is minutes.
A fifth century reredos-an orna-
mental screen behind the altar painted
by an Italian artist-was unframed, as
was the hand-carved altar. The fame.
seemed to move through the walls ano
up toward the roof. A crucif1X hanging
from the ceiling crashed to the floor
when its fastenings snapped under the
intense heat.
The church, constructed Of gray
stone, was built so years ago, ano
Father Atkinson has been its pastor five
years.
Pvt. J. E. Palsgiova, No. Truck
Company, was slightly cut on the hand
when struck by a falling piece of slate
He refused hospital treatment. Re-
serves from two precincts, as well as
individual traffic policemen, were called
to keep the crowd in check.