Tag: Vandalism

Man with bat smashes windows and doors at four US churches

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Four churches in South Carolina have been vandalized this week, resulting in thousands of dollars in damage. An 18-year-old suspect has been arrested for allegedly using a baseball bat to smash windows and doors at the churches.

The incident affected four congregations located several kilometres apart. One church representative reported that 20 windows and entrance doors were damaged, with the front doors alone estimated to cost around $40,000 to repair.

The suspect is currently in custody with a bond set at over $100,000.

While the churches plan to enhance their security measures, they intend to continue holding regular services. Some church leaders are curious about the motivation behind the vandalism.

The affected churches are working to assess and repair the damage. One church representative mentioned that the cost of repairing the front doors alone would be significant, not including the numerous broken windows.

Despite the destruction, the church community has shown resilience and a spirit of forgiveness. They remain committed to their mission and hope to understand the reasons behind this act of vandalism.

Vandalism Strikes Historic U.S. Church

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

A church in the U.S. is addressing extensive damage caused by an act of vandalism, with repair costs estimated to reach tens of thousands of dollars.

Authorities are investigating after St. Mary the Immaculate Conception Church in Michigan City, Indiana, was vandalized, leading to significant disruptions to its services. The damage, discovered by Associate Pastor Zach Glick, included shattered stained-glass windows, broken doors, and the destruction of a century-old statue of Saint Joseph. According to Father Glick, the financial impact of the repairs could range from $20,000 to $40,000. However, he noted that certain losses, such as the destruction of historic and symbolic items, cannot be measured in monetary terms.

Local police confirmed that they are continuing their investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, repair efforts at the church are ongoing.

Motive unknown following vandalism at U.S. church

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

A statue at Holy Cross Church in Harrison, New Jersey, was vandalized on December 3, 2024, according to the Harrison Police Department.

The incident came to light when a friend of the church’s priest noticed the statue was missing and informed him. The church, located in Hudson County, later provided surveillance footage to the police for review.

Video evidence shows a man approaching the church and surveying the area before attempting to push the statue over. When the initial effort failed, the man returned and destroyed the statue completely.

Authorities have not yet identified the suspect or established a motive for the act. The investigation is ongoing.

Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact them as they continue to work on the case.

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

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

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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.