Two Oklahoma churches are dealing with damage to their air-conditioning and heating equipment after thieves struck, leaving congregations in Wetumka and Oklahoma City scrambling to cover thousands of dollars in damage. At Great Baptist Church in Wetumka, someone stole an entire HVAC unit outright. At Greater Mount Carmel Baptist Church near Northeast 36th and Kelley Avenue in Oklahoma City, thieves broke one of the main copper pipes in the fenced area around the unit and made off with the copper from its main air-conditioning system.
According to KFOR, Great Baptist Church paid about $10,000 for both of its HVAC units, and the one that was stolen weighs around five tons. Gina Powell, a leader of the Wetumka church, says the congregation cannot afford to replace the stolen unit. Powell told the station the church accepts anyone who needs help, describing Great Baptist as a community hub that has served Wetumka for 100 years. The church has also dealt with busted windows, per the same report.
In Oklahoma City, Deacon Norris White of Greater Mount Carmel Baptist Church says the theft of the copper pipe was disappointing and disrespectful, noting the church has been part of its community for a very long time. White says he cannot afford the cost of replacing the equipment. The station notes the congregation has also experienced busted windows, break-ins, and people using drugs outside its windows, and now faces at least $5,000 in repair costs.
Services Will Go On, Minus the Air Conditioning
Greater Mount Carmel Baptist Church says it intends to hold worship despite the loss of climate control. Deacon White is attempting to have a worship service this Sunday regardless of the missing equipment, and the church plans to set out water off to the side and run fans from the hallway to keep things bearable. White says he asked the thieves to knock on the church door instead of stealing next time, according to the same account…