Richmond Enquirer

Quebec, Dec. 19.

On Tuesday, between twelve and one o'clock, a fire broke out in the large new unfinished Roman Catholic Church in St. Rock's Suburb, which was consumed in about two hours. The fire had reached so great a head in the body of the church before it was discovered, that all efforts to reduce it were ineffectual. Whatever could be done, however, was effected by the great exertions of the Military, the Clergy and Citizens. By these exertions and owing to the wind blowing from the north-east, the dwellings in the neighborhood, and a large stone building belonging to the Church were saved. The latter is separated from the Church only by a partition wall, through which are several doors of communication.

The loss sustained by this unfortunate event is said to be very considerable, and will be peculiarly felt by the inhabitants of St. Rock's suburb. The walls of the edifice are still standing, and do not appear to be materially injured.

This accident is accounted for by supposing that the fire which was left burning in a stove during the absence of the workmen at their dinner, had by some means caught the surrounding shavings.