Vandals smash in church doors

From the May 16, 2001 edition of McKenzie River Reflections

BLUE RIVER: Destruction, not theft, was on the mind of whoever broke into the Assembly of God Church last Thursday night. Rocks were used to smash two windows. A vehicle was driven up the front ramp, rammed through both front doors and run along an interior hallway.

Once inside the building more damage was done. Office machines, including a computer, telephone and calculator were cut away from their cords and dumped in the trash. The altar was destroyed, a cross torn down and furniture thrown about inside.

The only things missing were an American flag and a small microphone used by the organist.

Pastor O.V. Kennedy and a neighbor both heard some noises around 10:30 pm. When lights went on a vehicle sped away. About four hours later another vehicle was heard racing around in the area.

The following day a team of investigators from the Oregon State Police Crime Lab in Springfield spent close to six hours combing through the building searching for evidence that could identify a suspect. Senior Trooper Tom Hulett asked that anyone who might have observed a vehicle or any other activity in the area that night contact him at 726-2536.

Also Thursday night, both the Finn Rock Store and Mom’s Pie’s restaurant were broken into, possibly around 9:30 pm. Anyone with information on those break-ins should call the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 682-3980.

Image above: The altar was ripped apart, the cross torn from the wall and furniture thrown about inside the church.