Storms rip off church roof at Gonzaga College High School

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The roof of the St. Aloysius Church at Gonzaga College High School on North Capitol St. sustained significant roof damage Thursday afternoon after storms rolled through the District.

It appears straight-line winds caused the damage.

The storm hit during school hours, but luckily no one was hurt and there was no one inside of the church building when the incident occurred. The church originally opened in 1859.

"Major wind storm came through our campus. I was on the other side of the church between our athletic field and the school and I was looking out the window of one of our buildings and I could see a lot of our athletic equipment, pretty heavy equipment blowing across the field," explained Rev. Stephen planning, president of Gonzaga College High School. "As I'm watching this and the listening to the roar of the wind -- our Dean of Students calls and says you got to come over to the other side a large section of the roof has come off Saint Al's Church."

Several other buildings in the immediate area had damage to the roof and windows, such as Mount Airy Baptist Church and Saint Philip Baptist Church.

Gonzaga President, Rev. Stephen W. Planning, released the following statement:

"Today, April 6, was a trying day on Eye Street, as our beloved St. Aloysius Church sustained significant damage in a strong storm that struck D.C.. Most importantly, all students, faculty, and staff are safe.

But as you can see below the roof to St. Aloysius was partially torn off, and there is additional damage inside the Church and elsewhere on campus.

It's during trying times like these that the Gonzaga community is at its best. We ask for your prayers, and if interested in making a gift in support of our beloved St. Aloysius Church, click the image below. All of us on Eye Street remain grateful for the support of the extended Gonzaga community."