Glenshaw church unexpectedly loses electricity, forced to change services

St Bonaventure Church in Glenshaw is closed until further notice because the power was suddenly shut off.

“It’s a small nightmare, in terms of the logistics, trying to get the word out,” said Father Jim Gretz.

Gretz posted signs at the front door Monday alerting parishioners that all activities are canceled at the church and social hall because Duquesne Light unexpectedly cut off the electricity.

“It all started Sunday afternoon, about quarter after four, when the Duquesne Light technician called me and said, ‘I’m here, and I’m turning off the power,’” Gretz said.

A vehicle crashed into a supply conduit across the street that comes off the telephone pole and feeds the church and hall.

Gretz said the wires were intact and he had already made arrangements to have it repaired.

But, in the meantime, someone called the power company to report the wires.

Gretz has been scrambling to make other arrangements for church services, and posted new signs Tuesday morning.

“So we’re moving the weekday masses to one of our neighboring churches, All Saints in Etna, and moved the Sunday masses to the gymnasium,” he said.

Gretz hopes to have the power restored by mid-June.

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