ST. LOUIS — Security cameras caught the stunning crime at Mount of Olives Ministry in south St. Louis on video last Wednesday night.
"When I went to open the door, the whole thing fell sideways because they had popped the pins out of it," said Pastor Arlie Singleton, of Friendship Assembly of God.
Singleton is the former owner and supporter of the church near Marceau and south Minnesota. The congregation consists of more than 75 adults and children who are originally from central Africa and do not speak English.
Singleton said several burglars in hooded jackets and caps broke through the church's metal basement door and got inside.
"I would say they were conniving, opportunistic. They didn't care about other people," Singleton said.
He said one of the guys had a gun in his hand.
Behind him, another crook carried two small luggage bags as they and others fanned across the church.
"They had piled a lot of items in one room up front to take," Singleton said.
From the foyer, to rooms near the sanctuary, to multiple offices, including the pastor's, the vandals caused more than $30,000 in damage.
"They had pictures of some of the leaders of the church here on the wall. They ripped them all down and broke the frames. They stole every computer, every monitor, drum sets, even cables. They sliced chairs and the pastor's picture in her office. It was just ridiculous. She's a very sweet lady. I've known her for quite a few years and she's just heartbroken," added Singleton.
They also cut the glass out of wooden doors and damaged stained glass in the sanctuary.
What's more, the criminals carved an offensive message on the pastor's desk and on another piece of furniture in her office.
Pastor Singleton said it is no surprise after a woman accused three men of kidnapping, assaulting and holding her captive at the church last month.
"I just think, these poor people. They have been through waves of trauma over and over. I just hope somebody recognized these guys and police arrest them," Singleton added.
As a result of the break-ins, the congregation will likely have to cancel its services on Sunday.