Middle River Church Repairs Damage After Repeated Vandalism
MIDDLE RIVER, Md. (WJZ)—Broken glass, but not broken spirits. A Baltimore County church is picking up the pieces after vandals did serious damage overnight.
Mary Bubala reports it's not the first time they've been hit.
As they vacuum up broken glass inside where someone smashed seven tall windows, Orems church members in Middle River also know the same vandal tried to destroy their sign outside.
"It looks as if someone took an ax, chopped into the window here and here, and when they tried to remove the ax, it pulled the window out," said Don Schenning as he assessed the damage.
It's not the first time vandals have struck Orems United Methodist Church. Just six weeks ago, five other windows were broken. Two months ago, the Freon lines to the air conditioning units were cut.
The church is holding an emergency meeting with its congregation Monday night, and they know they are going to have to take new steps to keep the church safe.
"We are already talking about doing some fundraisers to try and cover some of the cost to not only cover the windows but also looking into security systems that we have not been able to afford at this point," said Vicki Borreson.
As the rain falls, measurements are taken for new windows and as police investigate and try to catch the vandal, church members say they will try to practice what's preached and turn the other cheek.
"In our hearts it's upsetting to us, but you forgive everybody," Schenning said.
"I think it's a lost soul, someone who really needs to be prayed for," said a church member.
The church estimates the damage caused by the vandals is close to $15,000-$20,000. Baltimore County Police have stepped up patrols in the area.
