Early Sunday morning was anything but routine at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Midtown Memphis, after a small fire broke out behind the main altar. The Diocese said the blaze was contained to the sanctuary, and no one was in or around the building when it happened.
Diocese Confirms Small Blaze and Sunday Shift
According to Action News 5, church officials said the fire was discovered in the early morning hours on May 31 and was quickly extinguished behind the main altar. The Diocese said damage is still being evaluated and that the cause of the fire is under investigation. As a precaution, the cathedral will be closed for Holy Trinity Sunday, with masses being made available at other churches and some services moved to the Cathedral Center Conference Room at 6:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Ordination Still on the Books
The Diocese's event calendar lists a priestly ordination for June 6 at the cathedral, per the Diocese of Memphis. The cathedral's website also notes its role as the mother church and lists regular Mass times at the campus, which parish staff says they are adjusting while the sanctuary is assessed; the parish Mass schedule appears on the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Campus in Flux as Investigators Step In
The cathedral campus has been in local headlines this month after the Diocese announced plans to clear several buildings on its Central Avenue property, a move covered by the Daily Memphian. Fire investigators and diocesan staff will work to determine the cause and assess repairs, and the Diocese says it will share updates through official channels as information becomes available.
Parishioners are being asked to check the cathedral and diocesan websites for the latest service information and scheduling changes. The Diocese has requested prayers for staff and volunteers as they begin damage assessments and planning for restoration.
