Lawrence E. Rose, 47, was arrested in connection with the fire at the church on Saturday. Credit: Courtesy of the Franklin County sheriffs office
A Columbus man was arrested and charged with felony arson after a fire at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church near Ohio State’s campus on Saturday, according to Franklin County Municipal Court records.
Lawrence E. Rose, 47, was arrested in connection with the fire at the church, located at 30 W. Woodruff Ave., according to court records. The Columbus Police Department made the arrest.
“We responded and assisted on a subject who was alleged to have started a fire at the location,” James Fuqua, the police department’s public information officer, said in an email.?
Rose was initially held without bond after his arrest, according to court records. His bond was later set at $100,085 and was active as of Sept. 9.
Karl Stevens, the priest-in-charge at St. Stephens said the church remains grateful for the volunteers who were at the church Saturday morning to help park cars for the football game. He said the church is committed to its mission of worship, prayer, study and service.
“We remain a welcoming and active community, serving both Ohio State and the wider Columbus community,” Stevens said in an email? “We are grateful for our members, neighbors and partners who help us live out that mission every day.”
This is an ongoing investigation, and the Lantern will update once more information is obtained.
