GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — A West Michigan church whose pastor is charged with embezzling from the church has cancelled its worship services.
A notice to members of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Grand Rapids says services were cancelled effective this past Sunday until further notice.
The Rev. Arthur Pearson Sr. was charged in December with embezzlement. A separate civil lawsuit claims he misappropriated up to $237,000 since 2008. His lawyer claims the church has no legal authority to shut out its members.
Pearson was due back in court Monday on the criminal case.
