Vandalism, Slurs Hurt Church’s Congregation

The Bethel Temple congregation had already moved from the old church on Brooklyn Street when it was vandalized.

But the Rev. Art Shankle says the damage - including racial slurs written in spray paint - still hurts him and the members of the predominantly black church.

“Thousands of people were saved here. Little children learned to respect others and themselves here. People were married here, and people were buried here,” Shankle, 65, said of the building that housed Bethel Temple for more than 30 years.

Since he and his flock left for their new building 14 months ago, the boarded-up church has been vandalized.

But never like this.

“KKK” and swastikas are spray painted on the outside of the building. Inside, are the words “die nigger.” The wooden floor inside is covered with black skid marks from a motorcycle. Hand-carved woodwork is covered with green and red paint. And broken light fixtures dangle from the ceiling.

Police so far haven’t apprehended anyone. But neighbors suspect that a group of teens who hang out near the church caused the damage.

“The truth is that things have gotten really bad around here for everyone,” one neighbor comments. “If you leave a bicycle parked in front of your house, it’s stolen in a second.”