Tag: Church

OPP Investigates Church Theft in Southern Georgian Bay

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

A church in Victoria Harbour fell victim to a break-in and theft just before the New Year. The Southern Georgian Bay OPP is now seeking the public’s help to solve the crime.

On December 30, 2024, staff at St. Mary’s Church discovered that someone had broken into the building overnight. The culprits smashed a window to gain entry and made off with $1,500 worth of grocery gift cards, according to a press release.

The stolen gift cards, valued at $30 and $60 each, can be used at Foodland and No Frills stores.

As the investigation continues, the community is urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

Man Pleads Guilty to Hate Crime in Arson Case Targeting U.S. Congregation

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Kevin Colantonio, 34, of Rhode Island. has agreed to plead guilty to a hate crime for setting fires at a predominantly Black church earlier this year, federal prosecutors announced. The plea deal includes admitting to arson motivated by racial bias and an additional offence committed while in custody.

Colantonio’s crimes occurred in February, targeting Shiloh Gospel Temple in North Providence. Court documents reveal that he used gasoline to ignite multiple fires around the church’s exterior shortly after midnight on February 11. The North Providence Police and Fire Departments quickly extinguished the flames, preventing significant damage.

As part of the plea deal, Colantonio admitted to selecting the church specifically because of the race, colour, religion, or ethnicity of its congregants, who are predominantly Black. This admission classifies the arson as a hate crime, carrying enhanced penalties under federal law.

While detained at Wyatt Detention Facility in March, Colantonio committed another serious offence. According to prosecutors, he threw a mixture of faeces and urine at a correctional officer delivering his breakfast.

The potential consequences of Colantonio’s actions are significant. He faces a minimum prison sentence of five years and a maximum of 56 years, along with a possible $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. A hearing is scheduled for January 7 at the Rhode Island U.S. District Court in Providence.

U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha highlighted the importance of the case as part of ongoing civil rights enforcement efforts. Cunha stated that the final sentence would be determined by a federal judge, with recommendations from his office and the probation department.

The arson at Shiloh Gospel Temple, which was unoccupied at the time, left the congregation deeply affected. For many Christians, places of worship represent sanctuaries for prayer, community, and spiritual growth. Targeting such spaces for violence not only damages property but also disrupts the sense of security and unity that churches provide to their members.

INTERNATIONAL: Church Break-In Thwarted by Martial Arts-Trained Pastor

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

In a dramatic turn of events Thursday morning, a church burglary attempt at a U.S. church was stopped by the pastor after the man used an ax to gain entry.

Pastor Nick Neves responded to a security alarm and discovered a broken window at the First Family Church in Antioch, California. Upon investigating, he encountered an intruder attempting to steal items from the building.

Drawing on his martial arts training, Neves confronted the suspect who chose to fight rather than surrender. The pastor successfully subdued the individual and held him until local law enforcement arrived.

Photo: Antioch Police Department

Antioch Police officers quickly responded to the scene. They arrested the suspect and charged him with multiple offenses, including burglary, robbery, and battery.

Preliminary assessments indicate property damage to the church building at approximately $3,000. The incident highlights the unexpected challenges faced by community institutions.

Antioch Police shared details about the incident on the department’s Facebook page, emphasizing the quick thinking and physical preparedness of the pastor in protecting church property.

INTERNATIONAL: UK Congregation targeted by vandals for second time in a month

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

St Margaret’s Church in Bowers Gifford, United Kingdom, was vandalized for the second time in one month. The incident occurred on Sunday, 24 November, shortly after the morning service.

The damage to the historic church includes a broken stained glass window, smashed vases, and a broken lectern. The church’s organ suffered extensive harm, with pipes removed and stonework thrown at it. The missing pipes have not yet been found. The estimated cost to repair the destruction is £15,000.

Two boys, aged 15 and 16, were arrested on suspicion of burglary and criminal damage. According to Essex Police, stolen items were recovered during the investigation. The suspects were later released on bail while inquiries continue.

The congregation shared an update on its Facebook page, stating, “Our worst fears have happened again. This time the culprits were caught and arrested. We thank the community for their support and help tidying up this mess.” The post also announced that the church would remain closed for the foreseeable future. Services will instead be held at St Margaret’s Academy Community Room.

Police investigations are ongoing.

INTERNATIONAL: U.S. Church nearing end of restoration following arson

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AMY TURNER

A historic San Francisco, CA church, heavily damaged by a fire in March, is now just weeks away from reopening. However, recent heavy rains have presented new challenges, complicating the final stages of restoration.

St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church caught fire earlier this year, with flames engulfing the building by the time firefighters arrived. The fire crews focused on battling the blaze from outside to safely control the flames and protect a neighbouring business. The church, a crucial community space, has been undergoing significant repairs ever since.

The fire, which is believed to be an act of arson, left the congregation without a worship space for over two months. During this time, services have taken place outdoors, despite unpredictable and often poor weather conditions.

In addition to its role as a place of worship, St. John the Evangelist serves as a daytime refuge for people experiencing homelessness. The fire temporarily disrupted this vital service, forcing those who rely on the church’s shelter to seek alternatives while repairs were underway.

Despite these setbacks, the church’s leaders remain optimistic. They are determined to finalize the restoration in the coming weeks, aiming to reopen just in time for Christmas.