ST. LOUIS — Neighbors said on any given day, people are constantly at Mount of Olives Ministry near Marseau and Minnesota Avenue in south St. Louis.
However, they weren't on Wednesday. A city building inspector posted a condemned letter on the church's front door.
"I tried to reach out to the city to a couple of different people, but they never returned my call," Arlie Singleton, pastor of Friendship Assembly of God, just a few miles away, said.
About three years ago, he sold the south side church to its current owners.
"Our congregations once shared the building before they purchased it. We are currently financing it for them," Singleton said.
Singleton said this morning, he and church leaders planned to meet at the church when they learned it had been condemned.
The congregation consists of more than 75 adults and children who are originally from central Africa and do not speak English.
"They speak French or Swahili. Many are from the Republic of Congo. I have been in touch with their pastor. I think what we need to do first is hear from the city and find out what's happening with this. Is there an appeal they can make or not? Do they need a lawyer?" Singleton asked.
The condemnation letter said an inspection found the church was not up to code and that the building "is used or intended to be used for purposes which are illegal and may endanger the health of and safety of persons."
It comes four days after a woman, in her 20s, told police shortly after one Saturday morning, three men kidnapped, beat and bound her with ropes in a room at the church.
The suspects are each charged with kidnapping and assault. They are currently in custody.
"It's unfathomable. I could have never have never comprehended some allegations like this happening at that church," Singleton said.
"I am so, so shocked, "Anecho Chombe, a member of Mount of Olives Ministry, said.
Chombe called one of the suspects, 28-year-old Grace Kipendo, a "respected leader of our church."
"I don't think that he could be arrested because many times when we are at church, we are with him and I don't see any bad thing about him," Chombe said.
"I just want the truth to come out and I want justice," Singleton said.
A city spokesman said the church building "was condemned for occupancy," and he will have more details on Thursday morning.