Police are investigating the suspicion that foul play was involved in a fire that gutted a century-old church in a Victorian coastal town near Geelong overnight.
Flames took hold of St Paul’s Anglican church on Dudley Parade in St Leonards just after 2am.
The blaze quickly spread to a community hall next door, which took firefighters more than half an hour to bring under control.
It’s understood the fire caused significant fire and smoke damage inside the weatherboard church, which will need to be demolished.
An arson chemist will inspect the scene today to determine the cause, which police are labelling as suspicious.
Parish priest reverend David Willsher said the church was the oldest standing building in St Leonards, which held its first service in January 1915.
“It’s been a long time here, a long time part of the community and that’s some of the struggle at the moment,” he said.
“There was some really significant paintings that were donated by people who’ve had things to do with the parish.
“You just see all those memories of worshipping God in this place, yeah, that’s what’s lost.”
A new organ was destroyed in the blaze, as well as many donated items which the community says can’t be replaced.
He said the community hall was “completely gone”.
“If someone’s done that their life is a bit of a mess and we’re really here to help people,” Willsher said.
“If that is the case it would be great to be able to help them and get their life back on track.”
