Category: News affecting the Church

Ontario Man Awaits Sentencing This Week for First Nation Church Arson

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JEFF TURNER

A court will determine the fate of Emric Thompson next week in connection with a 2020 church fire at Saugeen First Nation.

Thompson faces sentencing on November 27 for burning the Church of Jesus Christ and damaging a worship pavilion with an all-terrain vehicle. The court found him guilty of both arson and mischief causing damage worth more than $5,000.

The incidents took place on September 28, 2020, during a period when several churches in the area experienced fire damage. Thompson stood trial for three separate church fires but was cleared of involvement in two cases. The court found him not guilty regarding the Saugeen Fellowship Baptist Church fire, while prosecutors dropped charges related to Wesley United Church due to lack of evidence.

Superior Court Justice Roger Chown will issue the sentence after hearing arguments from both sides. While arson carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison, Thompson’s sentence could range from probation to two years in custody. Prosecutors have asked for a period of probation lasting two years, plus 100 hours of community service after any jail term.

The sentencing hearing begins at 3 p.m. at the local courthouse.

INTERNATIONAL: Deliberate Fires at United Methodist Churches in Pennsylvania

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JEFF TURNER

(Photo courtesy Woodycrest United Methodist Church)

Two fires that occurred this fall at United Methodist churches in Centre County, Pennsylvania, were set deliberately, according to a U.S. federal agency. On Friday, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), part of the U.S. Justice Department, confirmed that both incidents are being investigated as acts of arson. The agency is collaborating with police in Patton Township and Pennsylvania State Police on the investigation.

Details about the fires remain limited due to the ongoing inquiry, and Patton Township Police have not provide a statement..

The first fire happened at Woodycrest United Methodist Church in Patton Township, Pennsylvania. The fire, which broke out on September 14, caused serious damage to the sanctuary. The building was heavily affected by fire, smoke, and water damage, leading to its closure. A firefighter from Alpha Fire Co. received minor injuries to his hand and was treated at a local hospital. No one was inside the church when the fire began. Woodycrest, which was constructed in 1936 and has about 50 members, is now seeking donations to aid in the rebuilding process.

Pastor Renee Ford emphasized on the church’s website that despite the destruction of the physical building, the community remains strong. “We always say the church is not a building; the church is the people,” Ford stated, highlighting that the congregation’s work will continue despite the loss.

The second incident occurred in October at the former Fillmore United Methodist Church. The building, which had not been used as a church for several years and was functioning as a recreation centre, suffered a partial roof collapse. Investigators suspect arson since the fire seemed to have started outside the building. There were no injuries, and the building was empty at the time of the fire.

Authorities have not confirmed if the two fires are related.

Woodycrest United Methodist Church has established a Church Restoration Fund to collect financial contributions. The donations will go towards expenses not covered by insurance during the rebuilding process. The church is also requesting prayers and seeking volunteers to help with recovery efforts. Specific needs for volunteers will be updated on the church’s website as the restoration progresses.

U.S. Criminals smash windows, spread paint in California church building

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JANET JOHNSON-TREMBLAY

Vandals in the U.S. targeted the building sanctuary of First Church of the Nazarene in Bakersfield, California.

Police in California were called to the church on Sept. 21, 2022 after graffiti, broken windows and overturned pews were discovered at the house of worship.

Volunteers from other congregations have helped clean up most of the damage.

Police in Bakersfield have not yet determined who is responsible for the criminal attack on the church.

U.S.: Man who vandalized two churches given jail time, told to stay way

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JEFF TURNER SR.

A California man who pleaded to felony charges related to vandalism of two churches will spend 208 days in jail.

Omar Rico Olivardes, 34, entered the guilty pleas on September 29, 2022. According to court documents the charges of vandalism of religious property are related to smashing windows at the Gospel Churh of God and the Templo Sinai Church in Santa Anna, California. He was also ordered to stay away from two other churches in the area.

Texas Gospel Canada file stories do not list a motive given at the time of the vandalism.

U.S.: Damaged property, urine on carpet left by church vandals in Minnesota

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

DAVID INGRAM

A Minnesota congregation is facing thousands of dollars in repairs after an act of vandalism over the weekend.

Police in Sauk Centre, Minnesota issued the following news release on Monday:

On 9/17/2022 at approximately 1308 hours officers were called to Our Lady of the Angels church in Sauk Centre for a report of some vandalism. When the officer arrived, he found extensive damage to the inside of the church entrance area and sanctuary, including tipping over a statue, urinating on the carpet, damaging candle holders and other items. The officer was able to review video surveillance from the church showing two males entering the church at 0627 hours and leaving at 0638 hours, carrying a candle holder.

Suspects were later identified as Corey Allen Drouillard, age 28 of Sauk Centre and Cheyenne Marcus Budreau, age 19, of Cass Lake. Both suspects were arrested and booked in Stearns County Jail on charges of burglary and criminal damage to property.

The congregation Friday will celebrate a Mass of Reparation for the desecration of a Holy Place.