University seeks support, prayers following devastating fire

Published: 2008-05-08

SAN ANTONIO (CNS) -- The skyline of San Antonio was changed the night of May 6 as a massive fire gutted the historic Main Building at Our Lady of the Lake University, destroying some of the structure's unique silver spires and severely damaging other majestic steeples that adorned the top of the more than century-old facility. Built in 1895, the imposing Gothic-style structure was designed by renowned architect James Wahrenberger and was a crown jewel in the improverished west side neighborhood that is home to the coeducational liberal arts institution. More than 2,800 students are enrolled in the university, which was founded in 1895 by the Congregation of Divine Providence, which has a convent and a convalescent home located on the campus. The four-alarm blaze illuminated the evening sky and was fought by 120 firefighters and close to three dozen firetrucks from the San Antonio Fire Department, more than half the city's resources.

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