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Bomb explodes on property of Texas church

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BEAUMONT, TEXAS – A building owned by a southeast Texas church that runs a Christian school was damaged by an explosion early Thursday morning, according to a report from KRIS TV.  The explosion was caused by a bomb left at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church sometime between the end of services Wednesday evening and early Thursday before children arrived at the nearby school campus according to Click2Houston.

Beaumont, Texas Police Department spokesperson Officer Haley Morrow told Texas Gospel the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the FBI are investigating the incident.  Officer Morrow said

A police department news release says officers were called to the church property around 9 a.m. to investigate Criminal Mischief.  An officer who responded to the call found damage from what appeared to be a previously-detonated package.  Only minor damage was done to the building.

The Beaumont police chief said during a news conference that parts of the investigation are confidential and he would not say if there is any connection to an explosive device found at a local business earlier this year.

Governor Greg Abbott Attends Texas Pastors Roundtable Discussion

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abbott.jpgAUSTIN – Texas governor Greg Abbott Thursday attended a roundtable meeting with Texas pastors in Mesquite. The event was hosted by Dr. Terry M. Turner, Head Pastor at Mesquite Friendship Baptist Church, who was inspired to bring together multiple leaders from various backgrounds for an in-depth discussion with Governor Abbott. The meeting served as an opportunity for North Texas pastors to voice the concerns of their congregations, and develop ideas to address the challenges faced by the African American and Hispanic communities in Texas. Over three dozen pastors discussed a wide variety of topics, ranging from economic opportunities to the church’s role in foster care and adoption services.

“It’s important to hear directly from local leaders who are making an impact within their communities,” said Governor Abbott. “It was an honor to join these pastors to find ways we can continue to work together and create more opportunities for every Texan. I am grateful to Pastor Turner for leading this discussion and look forward to our continued partnership.”

“I am grateful to Governor Abbott for his presence here today, and for his willingness to listen to local leaders,” said Dr. Turner. “Governor Abbott continues to provide strong leadership for all Texans. I look forward to fostering an even stronger bond between our governor and our community leaders.”

Man arrested for causing more than $20,000 damage to Church sanctuary

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2018-05-07 Mug shot with background of church vandal
James Williams (Photo: Tulsa County Inmate Information Center)

A Tulsa, Oklahoma congregation arrived for service April 29 to a sanctuary with thousands of dollars in damage caused by a vandal.  The cleanup is ongoing this week.

Police say the man who caused the damage, James Williams, was found by a K9 during a search of the Community Baptist Church sanctuary, according to a report by Fox 23 News. The TV station’s report includes photos of the damage.

A police report says Williams gained entry by breaking a window.  The police report estimates damage between $20,000 and $40,000.

Jail records on May 7 show Williams is held on $3,000 bond for burglary and one charge of maliciously defacing property of another for which no bond amount is listed.

The police report does not state a motive for Williams’ actions.

Teen arrested for arson at Pennsylvania church building

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Arson
(Image: Pixabay.com)

According to a report from WFMJ, a 16-year-old admitted setting a fire on the porch of the Clark Trinity United Methodist church last month.  Hermitage police Chief Eric Jewell would not say if the teen arrested was male or female, according to the Sharon Herald.

Damage to the church building was estimated at $13,000, according to Texas Gospel file stories.

The teen charged faces one count of second degree felony arson.

Cause of fire at Winston-Salem NC Church building unknown, congregation had no insurance

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2018-05-01 Church Fire

A Winston-Salem church is looking for a place to worship after fire ripped through its building a few hours before sunrise Monday.

A representative of the New Gospel Tabernacle Holiness Church told the Winston-Salem Journal they are thankful that no one was hurt.

“We’re devastated…But we will work to rebuild. You can’t stop the church. Keep us in your prayers,” Pastor Wallice Harrison told the paper.

Investigators have not yet determined a cause of the fire, according to The News & Observer.  A spokesperson of the Winston-Salem Fire Department told Erie News Now the investigation is still in the “cause and origin phase.”

The church did not have insurance according to a report from WFMY.