December 9, 2023 – On the evening of December 7, 2023, Barrhead RCMP responded to two church fires suspected to be intentional acts of arson. The United Church and Glenreagh Church, both cherished landmarks, were severely damaged in the incidents.
At approximately 7:52 p.m., the Glenreagh Church on Range Road 40 became the first target, followed by the United Church on Range Road 54 at 9 p.m. Despite swift responses from fire crews, both churches suffered extensive damage. Miraculously, no injuries were reported.
The investigation is ongoing, with RCMP treating the fires as arson. Initial findings from the fire examiner support the suspicion that the blazes were intentionally set. An older model two-tone truck spotted leaving the Glenreagh Church scene is believed to be linked to the incidents.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Barrhead RCMP at 403-780-674-4848 or Crime Stoppers. This follows a pattern of rising vandalism against churches in Canada, as these incidents add to the 13 church fires investigated by Alberta RCMP since 2018 and the more than 60 churches across Canada that have been desecrated, damaged, or destroyed since 2021.
Barrhead, a town approximately 120 kilometers northwest of Edmonton, is now grappling with shock and sorrow as these attacks hit close to home. Notably, the United Church, also known as Pioneer Church, was entirely destroyed, while the Glenreagh Church, also known as St. Aidan’s Church, sustained heavy damage.
Members of the congregation have expressed determination to rebuild, emphasizing the church’s significance in their lives and community.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, responding on social media, condemned the acts, standing in solidarity with the affected parishioners. She emphasized the need for justice, closely monitoring the unfolding situation along with Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis.
This incident adds to a disturbing trend of church burnings in Canada since 2021, with the motives and culprits often elusive. Authorities are not ruling out potential connections between these cases, leading to increased patrols around other churches in the area.
Although some arrests have been made in connection to the burnings, numerous cases remain unresolved without resulting in arrests or convictions.
As communities grapple with the shock of these events, the focus remains on supporting those affected and ensuring that those responsible for these acts of vandalism are brought to justice.