Local News
The break-in resulted in the loss of raffle prizes for a St. Paul’s Episcopal Church annual fundraiser.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Holyoke canceled a Sunday service and temporarily closed the church this week after, the church said, a break-in resulted in the theft of several items for a fundraiser.
A person or persons broke into the church’s fundraising and veterans storage rooms sometime between the end of services on Sunday, May 24 and Wednesday, May 27, according to a letter sent to the St. Paul’s community by Rev. Joel Martinez.
Among the stolen items were food, valuables, and raffle prizes collected for the church’s annual golf tournament fundraiser, Martinez wrote. The fundraiser aims to support the renovation of the church’s downstairs space and a new daycare center.
“Thanks be to God, no sacred vessels or liturgical items were taken,” Martinez added.
As a result of the break-in, Sunday services were canceled and the church will remain closed through the end of the week, he wrote.
Church officials did not indicate whether services will resume this Sunday.
Martinez said the church is implementing new security measures in response to the incident. The church has changed locks on exterior doors and advised the public to stay away from the building until further notice.
Church officials reported the break-in to authorities and notified the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts, according to Martinez.
“We are grateful for the quick response and are cooperating fully as the matter is being investigated,” the letter reads.
A Holyoke Police Department caller log shows officers were contacted about “suspicious activity” at the church around 5 p.m. on May 20. The department did not respond to a request for a police report Thursday afternoon.
In the wake of the theft, the Veterans Lunch of Greater Holyoke has organized a pizza party fundraiser to help replace some of the stolen items. The event is scheduled for June 12 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Holyoke Elks Lodge on Whitney Avenue.
A flyer for the pizza party fundraiser Friday, June 12. – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
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