PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Police are investigating after a historic church in Philadelphia’s Society Hill neighborhood was vandalized early Monday morning.
Large wooden boards now replace stained glass windows, dating back to the 18th century, on the north side of Mother Bethel AME Church, on 6th Street near Lombard Street. Senior Pastor Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler says he initially found the implications of the vandalism very upsetting.
“It fills you with a sense of deep concern that this may be something bigger, more nefarious,” said Tyler, who heard the news while traveling outside of Philadelphia.
Authorities say the vandalism happened just after 4 a.m. Monday, when a witness reported seeing a man throwing rocks at the stained glass windows on the church’s first floor.
At first, neighbors like Jazmine assumed the act was fueled by hate. “Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised it was hate crime-related. I think it would have to be someone aware of the importance of the history of the building,” she said.
But after an initial investigation, police believe the vandalism was not a targeted act, but one connected to five others on the same night. Tyler expressed his relief upon hearing that conclusion.
“This is probably the act of one person making a random act of violence toward a building,” he said.
The church was recently awarded a $90,000 grant to repair the metal siding along the windows. “So for something like this to happen on the heels of that,” Tyler said, “it almost took the air out of the balloon.”
However, he says with the community’s help, the windows will be fixed and the security system upgraded.
“I cannot tell you how many messages I’ve received all expressing not only support and solidarity but, ‘Where’s the donate button?’ ‘How can I give back to ensure you are all made whole?’” Tyler shared.
“It’s a testament that oftentimes when people want to bring out the worst in you, it has the opposite effect and it brings out the best in everyone.”