Repairs progressing at Watertown church damaged by lightning strike in May

The process of repairing a Watertown church that was damaged by fire following a lightning strike is progressing.

Another milestone was reached this week when a large crane arrived on site. It’s being used to remove damaged portions of the roof at Hosanna Lutheran Church that will be replaced.

The May 19, 2025, fire caused heavy smoke, fire and water damage to the sanctuary. There was lesser damage on the north end of the building, which includes the fellowship hall, office space and kitchen area. The sanctuary repairs will take several more months to complete.

Hosanna has been holding Sunday services in the Heritage Theater at the Watertown Event Center for the past 20 Sundays. Services will soon shift back to the fellowship hall of the church.

Story and photos courtesy of news partner KWAT/Watertown Radio.

The fire at Hosanna Lutheran on 14th Avenue North began around 1:30 Monday afternoon (May 19, 2025) as a thunderstorm was rolling through the city. Fire damage was contained to the roof, but the sanctuary area flooded out from all the water that was being poured on the fire over a six hour period. The first few rows of church pews were fully submerged. Volunteers began pumping water out of the sanctuary Monday night, and were preparing to tarp the roof, which has holes in it.

Weather conditions were challenging as winds were gusting to 40 miles an hour. Watertown Fire Rescue Chief Don Rowland says that helped provide oxygen to the fire and made it difficult to extinguish.

There were no injuries.

Hosanna will now be making plans on where to hold Sunday services while the months-long cleanup and restoration work begins.

Story and photos courtesy of news partner KWAT/Watertown Radio.