Thieves Hit Prichard Church

Prichard Church This marks the third time crooks have destroyed this church’s air conditioning.

by Chad Petri

Published: Sun, May 31, 2009 - 8:50 pm CST

Churches usually have a warm feeling, but this one's a little too warm.

“It's muggy it's sticky and it is hot,” says Church treasurer Pat Houston. Sometime between Sunday and Tuesday Memorial Day weekend thieves broke apart this air conditioning unit. They took the motor but left behind the more valuable copper piping.

“I think it was somebody that really didn't know what they were doing but just trying to do something mischievous,” says church elder Ron McCants. Church leaders say this isn't the first time. Their a-c was first stolen three years ago and a second time one year ago.

“Very disappointed because we help so many people here and it did bring tears to my eyes,” says Pastor Benita Harris. The last time they were hit, insurance helped pay the $20,000 tab. There’s no such luck this time around. The congregation was already trying to raise $38,000 for roof repair.

“If we don’t' raise it then our roof will cave in, we've been trying to raise it since hurricane Katrina,” says Church Treasurer Janelle Boney. Despite losing their air conditioning, many members of this congregation aren't losing their cool, and are even willing to open their hearts to these crooks.

“We're not upset, as a matter of fact, we prayed for them and asked god to bless them to save them, that's what we want,” says Pat Houston. Portable fans and small AC units aren't enough too cool this massive room as temps push 90 degrees inside. If you’re interested in helping the church you can do so in the following ways. You can call them at 251-457-3020. You can also use the mail. You can send donations to the following address:

Pathway to Destiny International Ministries
1720 Griffin Street
Mobile, AL 36617

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