Parishioners say church vandalism crosses the line

by Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

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Community Missionary Baptist Church trustee Jake Smith looks at some of the graffiti vandals spray-painted on the church building

Community Missionary Baptist Church trustee Jake Smith looks at some of the graffiti vandals spray-painted on the church building. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Jun 19, 2008 at 2:53 PM EST

Story Updated: Jun 23, 2008 at 9:42 PM EST

ELKHART — Members of the Community Missionary Baptist Church in Elkhart said vandals crossed the line by defacing their place of worship with spray paint.

Vandals painted graffiti on the back of the church, a dumpster, several spots in the parking lot, and even the church bus and van.

“Well I didn't really get angry, I just said how stupid can you be!" exclaimed Jake Smith, a church trustee. "Seems like you're throwing rocks at God maybe, [it's a] lack of respect for God and his membership of baptized believers."

Some church members feel it's one thing to paint graffiti on homes, businesses, fences and garages, and quite another to do so on a church and on church property.

“You've got people out there that don't — especially a church — just don't respect anything so I just wish they would stop it," said member Joe McGhee.

"I just get a sense that the building is a part of the community,” said trustee Rod Roberson. “It’s a church and some people don't recognize what goes on inside of a church."

Church members believe positive action may be a way to combat the problem.

"And for people to deface it there's more outreach that we intend to do in this community,” Roberson explained. “We will reach out more to the community so that they, in effect, understand the principle behind what they're doing."

The damage estimate at the church was around $100. Church members have contacted the city to remove the graffiti.

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