Thieves ransack small church, cause thousands of dollars in damage

Police are searching for the thieves who ransacked into the Calvary United Church of Christ in Turtle Creek, causing thousands of dollars in damage.

The thieves damaged nearly every part of the church, from stripping the copper in the boiler room, ransacking closets and offices, ripping a wall out, and leaving refrigerators and freezers open.

The crime is a big setback for the 15-member church. Parishioners said they are upset, but they forgive whoever did it.

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Church secretary Merry Beth Hughes said the break-in happened Sunday evening. Because of the crime, the church is now forced to shut down a clothing store which helped people in need. They also canceled the main revenue generator, their monthly spaghetti dinner.

“Because there is no plumbing we can't continue to mission to the community,” Hughes said.

She said the Turtle Creek and Allegheny County police are both looking into the thefts. She said she’s thankful the only room left mostly untouched was the sanctuary.

“Maybe God said something to them,” she said.

The church has set up a GoFundMe account to help get the damage fixed. Sunday's service will be held at the Jobe Funeral Home across the street.

Anyone with information is asked to call police.

Cox Media Group