Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Midtown Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, faced a string of burglaries just days before Easter Sunday. The damage caused an estimated $180,000 in losses and forced the congregation to turn to virtual services. This heartbreaking situation began with the first break-in discovered by church members during a scheduled choir rehearsal. As they arrived, they found the church dark, doors damaged, drawers open, and trash strewn about. Reports from Penn Live detail how thieves targeted valuable copper piping and wiring, stripping nearly all of it from the basement along with parts of the church’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
The impact was immediate. Without copper piping, the church was left without running water, heat, or air conditioning. The congregation’s troubles deepened when a second break-in occurred on Thursday while church leaders and members were present to assess the damage. Surveillance footage captured two suspects in action, who fled but abandoned a wagon loaded with more stolen copper pipes and wires.
Pastor Ouemonde Brangman expressed his dismay about the burglaries, saying, “When we came for choir rehearsal, the first thing everybody knows was the lights were not working.” He noted that the situation left the place in disarray. The pastor offered a message of forgiveness, highlighting the significance of the Easter season. “I want them to know that we pray for them,” he stated, recognizing the sadness surrounding the motivation for such crimes. He added, “It’s got to stop. We do not want this to continue in our community.”
Senior Trustee Ray Burnett shared his frustrations, articulating the urgency of the situation: “We don’t have any water at this point. Right now, all the copper has been removed from the basement.” His remarks pointed to the immediate practical concerns faced by the congregation. Despite these challenges, Burnett advised faith, stating, “Just trust God to get us through this. And we have to forgive them. But they need to be caught.”
With Good Friday services already moved online, an in-person Easter Sunday service was no longer possible. Church leaders announced that services would be conducted virtually via Zoom and other online platforms, a difficult adjustment during a time typically filled with community and celebration.
In the wake of these distressing events, the Harrisburg Police became involved. Officers and a K-9 unit canvassed the area while interviewing neighbors. Unfortunately, as of Saturday evening, no arrests had been reported, and police had not provided updates concerning suspects.
In response to the significant loss, the church initiated a GoFundMe campaign named “Help Restore Bethel A.M.E. Church.” Spearheaded by longtime member Janet Saxbie, the fundraiser aims to collect $16,000 to cover repairs and replace the stolen materials, all vital for restoring the building to a safe state for gatherings. The congregation’s resilience in facing such adversity during a time of hope and renewal speaks volumes about their commitment to their faith and community.
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