Category: News

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.

Arrest made in U.S. church arson, church plans to rebuild

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JEFF TURNER

The pastor of Victory Baptist Church in Los Angeles, California says an arrest has been made in connection to a fire that destroyed the church’s main building. But Pastor Edward Jenkins also said the church is not going anywhere and they will rebuild.

Last week a fire at the church left the church’s nearly 80-year-old building in ruin. Since then, items that could be saved have been pulled from the ashes including a pulpit and piano.

Authorities in Los Angeles have not released the suspect’s name or announced a motive behind the fire.

MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE FIRE FROM THE U.S.:

Three firefighters hurt fighting U.S. church fire

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

DAVID INGRAM

Arson investigators in the U.S are working to determine if a California church fire that injured three firefighters was set on purpose.

The fire was reported shortly after 3 a.m. Sunday at the Victory Baptist Church in Los Angeles. A fire department spokesperson said more than 100 firefighters spent just under two hours to get the flames under control.

“My heart is so broken by this.  Our youth choir stand is no longer nor is the side of the church where we used to sit.  It’s devastating. I am still in disbelief. My childhood church is gone.  So much history there (Sunday School, youth choir, young adult choir, the church basketball team … so many memories from 1970s to 1980s) … wow. Please keep the family of Victory Baptist Church of Los Angeles in your prayers, Prayer Warriors,” posted one church member to the chruch’s Facebook page.

The building is a total loss. The congregation says it will rebuild.

Ukrainian congregation in the U.S. targeted by vandals

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

DAVID INGRAM

A Ukrainian church in the U.S. is struggling to make repairs after a vandal, or vandals, left thousands of dollars in damage.

St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church was left with broken windows including one that was placed to protect a more than 100-year-old stained glass window. A statement from the church says the broken window did what it was supposed to do, and the stained-glass window was not damaged.

The church will have to pay between $2,000 to $3,000 to cover the insurance deductible, according to a church spokesperson.

At least one arrest has been made according to WTNH television. The station did not report the suspect’s name. Fox 61 television reports some think Russia’s invasion of Ukraine may have motivated the attack.

The criminal act against the church remains under investigation by the New Britain Police Department.