Vicar and Husband Take Extreme Measures to Stop Copper Thieves
In the small town of Te Awamutu, St John’s Church has become the target of copper thieves, leaving Reverend and parish vicar Julie Guest and her husband no choice but to camp out at the church every night. Since November, the church has been repeatedly stripped of valuable copper materials, including three 4sqm panels and the last remaining copper downpipe, causing significant damage to the 60-year-old building. The desperate situation prompted Guest and her husband to take matters into their own hands, setting up security cameras and staying overnight to catch the culprits in the act.
Heartbreaking Damage and Ongoing Risk to Building’s Viability
Despite the thieves making off with a minimal value of stolen copper, estimated at $500, the resulting damage to the church totals a staggering $125,000. Julie Guest emphasized that the church is now faced with the costly task of replacing the copper roof with a less durable material, increasing maintenance expenses in the long run. The vicar expressed her disappointment in the senseless destruction caused by the thieves, putting the future viability of the building at risk.
Community Devastation and Call for Support
The Te Awamutu community, already reeling from a previous incident of copper theft at St Paul’s Church, is now faced with the heartbreaking reality of their cherished gathering places being attacked. Guest highlighted the importance of these churches as community hubs and shelters for those in need, emphasizing that pointing fingers at vulnerable groups is not the solution. Despite the ongoing vigil at the church and efforts to secure temporary fixes, the ultimate solution lies in raising funds for repairs through a Givealittle page.
Hope for Resolution and Continued Community Support
As the vicar and her husband continue their nightly watch over St John’s Church, Julie Guest remains optimistic that a new roof will be installed sooner rather than later, putting an end to the cycle of theft and damage. The community’s support in this challenging time is crucial, as the church navigates the financial burden of repairs and strives to maintain its role as a beacon of hope and shelter for all in Te Awamutu. Let us stand together in solidarity with St John’s Church and the entire community as they work towards restoring peace and security to their beloved spiritual sanctuary.