Volunteers Help Repair Vandalized Baptist Church in Virginia

February 29, 2004

Source: Roanoke.com

http://www1.roanoke.com/roatimes/news/story163424.html

On February 29, 2004 Roanoke.com reported that neighbors have pitched in to help members of Mount Moriah Baptist church repair damages after they were recently vandalized. "It's been six weeks since Mount Moriah members discovered their house of worship in the 3500 block of Orange Avenue Northeast in Roanoke had been ransacked, causing about $50,000 in damage. Windows and bathroom mirrors were broken, historic marker was ripped off the door and a bathroom sink was yanked from the wall.

Lanterns like those that slaves carried in the mid-1850s - when they crept out after dark to read the Bible by candlelight - were severely damaged.

Roanoke police have charged two men in connection with the vandalism, which also is being investigated as a hate crime.

Saturday was the first cleaning day the church has had, said church secretary Louise Witt."