Far too often, we hear of thieves breaking into an older building and wrecking the place. But they’re not after electronics or jewelry. Instead, they rip out copper piping to sell as scrap.
That very thing happened in Troy, New York last week at Sixth Avenue Baptist Church. Reports say that 100 feet of copper piping was stolen, leaving behind a mess and an inability to operate the heating and plumbing systems within the building.
While no one has been arrested as of the date I write this post, I still question the intellectual capacity of the thieves. Certainly, I would not be hacking away at a water-filled copper pipe to steal from a church.
After all, copper is a great conductor. It’s the kind of thing a lightning bolt would really love to travel along. Just saying…
Seriously, though, I was especially saddened to hear about this theft.
You see, my wife and I were married at Sixth Avenue Baptist Church more than a decade ago. It was the church we attended while we were in college. The church family provided us with a home away from home. The pastor, his wife, and their kids demonstrated hospitality every week. They picked us up at college, and they shared a wonderful home-cooked meal with us every Sunday after church.
Outside Sixth Avenue Baptist Church on our wedding day.
Without a doubt, the church family played a huge role in helping both of us face the academic and social challenges of life at college.
It was why we chose to say our vows at the church.
Sixth Avenue Baptist Church is located in an area of Troy that has seen better days. It is a century-old, large brick building. Beautiful stained glass windows adorn the large sanctuary.
It was our church, and I know I’m just a tad biased, but I it was the site of the best wedding I’ve ever attended.
Not everything associated with our wedding day is still around. The bakery that made our cake: closed. The Hudson River boat that hosted our reception: replaced with a newer model. But the church building has continued to provide space for groups ministering to that area of Troy. It’s not the same pastor or congregation these days, but I’m confident the ministry remains especially important for the area.
So, when another church in the region, Victory Christian Church, stepped up to provide financial help, I was very grateful. I suspect, though, that there is still a large need to replace and fix what these thieves have stolen.
So, my wife and I will be putting a check into the mail. It’s not anything big, but I’m convinced that ordinary folks can make a difference for a church like this. I have faith that it will be used for important things in the local community.
Anybody else want to help out?
This Ordinary Citizen 
Debbi
/ January 14, 2015How thieves can hit a church is beyond me. Just proves they have no conscious! Our church was hit last year as well. And our congregation prayed for them and can only have faith that one day they will hear the voice of God and make good on their thieveries. Sorry to hear that your special place was vandalized, too. Love the history of your connection!
Wade Abbott
/ January 14, 2015I think that’s a great response for a church to have when they experience injustice. I’ll pray for the same thing for the thieves in this case!
suzjones
/ January 22, 2015It is terribly sad when the respect for places such as this is lost. I’m sorry to hear that this has happened.
On another note, I just love your wedding photo. It is such a happy photo.
Wade Abbott
/ January 22, 2015Thanks! It was a happy day. Lots of fun.