Crime & Safety
Inver Grove Heights Police Seek Suspect in Vandalism of Historic Church
Doors were damaged, lanterns were smashed and items were taken as the "little white" church was victimized by activity over the weekend.
It has stood, quietly, in its place for more than 140 years.
Which what makes what happened over the weekend of Sept. 28 and 29 all the more heartbreaking.
Old Salem Shrine was ransacked over the weekend, according to a report filed by the St. Paul Pioneer Press on Tuesday. The suspect(s) broke through doors, smashed or stole several priceless kerosene lanterns, and damaged the old pump organ beyond repair, according to Jill Lewis, chair of the church's trustees committee, who conducted an interview with TwinCities.com's Nick Ferraro.
Locals know the "little white church" on 55th Street as a landmark for Dakota County. It was home to one of IGH's first organized churches–Salem Evangelical–as far back as 1857.
Volunteers will need to come up with $1,000 to cover an insurance deductible, Lewis added.
The church is used twice a year. A founders' day service is held in June, while an Epiphany Service is conducted each year in December. Donations at those two services keep the historic 22-foot by 33-foot church alive.
Anyone with any information should contact the Inver Grove Heights Police Department at 651-450-2525.
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