Arson investigators probe fire that damaged St. John Catholic Church

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A suspicious fire damaged St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis Wednesday morning.

Firefighters were called shortly after 4 a.m. to the church at the corner of South Capitol Avenue and Georgia Street. Upon arrival, there was no fire showing from the exterior and the fire was under control within 5 minutes.

Investigators say they believe someone made entry into the church, although there is no evidence of a break-in.

Church officials say parishioners were attending an event in the church that ended around 10 p.m. Tuesday.

According to firefighters, a blaze was set just inside the locked doors of the entryway off of Capitol Avenue. They said some hymnals and a flag were set on fire.

Smoke alarms in the church were activated. Officials say there was more smoke than actual fire damage.

There was no damage reported to the Church's Rectory. Damage to the church is estimated at $400,000.

The church has canceled all Wednesday services and will resume once investigators and the archdiocese have had a chance to conduct an investigation. 

St. John is the oldest Catholic church in Indianapolis, celebrating its 175th birthday this year. St. John was originally built on the grounds where the Statehouse sits. The church was later relocated and redeveloped in 1871 to where it now stands.